Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for citrus lovers, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a buttery, crumbly texture.

These bars feature a zesty lemon filling sandwiched between layers of a golden crumb crust. Ideal for springtime gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing treat any time of year, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until just combined.
3. Assemble the Crust: Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Reserve the other half for the crumble topping.
4. Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour and Top: Pour the lemon filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the lemon filling is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
7. Chill and Slice: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares or bars for clean cuts.

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
35-40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour, plus chilling time

Nutrition (per bar, approx. 16 servings)

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 9g, Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 70mg

Expert Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• For a thicker crust and crumble, use an 8×8-inch pan instead.
• Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

FAQs

Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?

Yes, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best taste, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How do I prevent soggy bars?

Ensure the crust is firmly pressed and bake until the filling is fully set.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature and do not require reheating.

Substitutions & Variations

• For a twist, add a layer of raspberry preserves between the crust and lemon filling.
• Substitute lime juice and zest for a tropical variation.
• Make a gluten-free version using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for citrus lovers, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a buttery, crumbly texture. These bars feature a zesty lemon filling sandwiched between layers of a golden crumb crust. Ideal for springtime gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing treat any time of year, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9x9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• **For the Crust and Crumble:**
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• **For the Lemon Filling:**
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

 

• **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
• **Make the Crust and Crumble:** In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until just combined.
• **Assemble the Crust:** Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Reserve the other half for the crumble topping.
• **Prepare the Lemon Filling:** In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and well combined.
• **Pour and Top:** Pour the lemon filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top.
• **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the lemon filling is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
• **Chill and Slice:** Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares or bars for clean cuts.