Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Bright, buttery, and bursting with zest, Lemon Crumb Bars are the kind of sunny treat that never fails to bring a smile to the table. Every bite offers a dreamy contrast—crumbly, golden crust meets luscious, tangy lemon center, all crowned with tender, buttery streusel. Whether you’re looking for a picnic dessert, a bake sale showstopper, or a cheerful pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, these bars are guaranteed to disappear in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Crumb Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient shines, coming together for that perfect sweet-tart bite. Flour forms the base, sugars add sweetness and depth, while fresh lemons and creamy condensed milk turn the filling into something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the crumb, providing the structure and that classic tender bite.
- Granulated sugar: Offers just enough sweetness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and keeps the crumbs delightfully moist.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens up all the flavors.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, ensuring the crumb isn’t too dense.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Rich and creamy, the butter pulls the crumbs together and gives them that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The star of the filling, making it velvety and rich, with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Large egg yolks (room temperature): They thicken the filling, lending richness and a bit of structure.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and a little extra decadence to the lemon layer.
- Salt (extra for filling): A pinch in the filling sharpens up the citrus and keeps things from turning cloying.
- Fresh lemon juice: Use only fresh lemons for the brightest, cleanest zest and tang.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang for easy removal. This ensures you’ll get nice, neat slices and no worries about sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. A quick whisk will do the trick—this dry mix is the secret to both the crisp crust and that magical crumbly topping.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Pour in the cooled, melted butter and stir with a fork until you’ve got a crumbly mixture. You’re looking for sandy, clumpy bits—not a smooth dough. This simple step makes all the difference for a light yet rich crumb.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Take about two-thirds of your crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s packed in well—this will be the sturdy foundation that holds up the silky filling.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Don’t overbake—the crust will finish baking with the filling later.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and a little salt. Once smooth, slowly pour in the fresh lemon juice while whisking. This luscious, tangy custard is what sets Lemon Crumb Bars apart from the crowd!
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Gently spread it to the corners with a spatula. Next, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture all over the top, like a cozy blanket covering that golden-yellow center.
Step 8: Bake Until Set
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the crumbs are golden and the filling is just set. Give the pan a gentle shake—if the center jiggles only slightly, you’re perfect!
Step 9: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool to room temperature first. Then, for best results, pop them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to firm up. This waiting game builds anticipation and guarantees perfect, tidy slices when you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of freshly grated lemon zest adds a lovely finish, hinting at the citrus treasure hiding inside. If you’re feeling playful, add a dollop of whipped cream or a single raspberry to each square—it’s a small touch that elevates the experience!
Side Dishes
Pair Lemon Crumb Bars with a cup of steeped black tea or an ice-cold glass of milk—either one balances their bright tang beautifully. For a bigger gathering, consider serving alongside fresh berry compote or a selection of summer fruits for a refreshingly colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into dainty rectangles and layer them on a tiered cake stand for afternoon tea, or package them in parchment and string for picnic-ready treats. If you’re hosting, try crumbling them into parfait glasses with a little Greek yogurt and extra zest for a stunning, spoonable dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After slicing, store your Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their signature freshness and texture for up to five days. Separate layers with parchment if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Bar none: they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy—just as delightful as the day they were baked!
Reheating
While Lemon Crumb Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave revives the softness of the crumb (but be careful not to melt the filling).
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled is convenient, nothing beats the vibrant zing of fresh lemon juice in Lemon Crumb Bars. The flavor is brighter, with none of the slight bitterness bottled juices sometimes bring.
How do I get perfect, clean slices?
Chilling thoroughly is key! Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, tidy squares every time.
Can I make Lemon Crumb Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Aim for one that includes xanthan gum for best crumb structure.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Double everything and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add just a few minutes to the total bake time, and keep an eye on that crumbly golden top.
Should I serve Lemon Crumb Bars cold or room temperature?
They’re delicious both ways, but most fans adore them chilled—the cool custard filling turns extra creamy and the crumbs hold up best.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let another day go by without treating yourself (and your friends!) to a batch of Lemon Crumb Bars. With their sunny flavor and buttery crumb, they’ll quickly earn a spot among your favorite go-to desserts. Give them a try, and watch how fast they become the talk of every table!
Print
Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture becomes crumbly. Press ⅔ of the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Prepare the lemon filling: In another large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Lemon Crumb Bars, Lemon Bars Recipe, Tangy Dessert Recipe
