Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tartness of fresh lemons with a sweet, buttery crumb topping. As I take a bite, I am instantly transported to sunny days, where the bright flavor of citrus dances on my palate. These bars have a rich history, often found in family cookbooks passed down through generations, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. People adore Lemon Crumb Bars not just for their refreshing taste, but also for their delightful texturecrispy on the top and soft in the middle. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to dessert for gatherings or a simple afternoon snack. Join me as we explore this beloved recipe that brings a little sunshine into our lives!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 large eggs (for filling)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Preparing the Crust
Lets start by making the crust for our lemon crumb bars. This buttery base is what makes these bars so delicious!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will make cutting and serving the bars a breeze!
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to pack it down firmly so that it holds together during baking.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. While the crust is baking, lets prepare the lemon filling!
Preparing the Lemon Filling
Now that the crust is baking, its time to whip up that zesty lemon filling that will make these bars shine!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 large eggs. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.
- Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
- Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should not jiggle too much.
Cooling and Assembling
After the lemon filling has baked to perfection, its important to let everything cool down before we finish our bars.
- Once the lemon filling is set, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. This will help the filling firm up even more.
- After the bars have cooled to room temperature, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts when you slice the bars.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for cleaner edges.
- Before serving, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. This adds a lovely touch and balances the tartness of the lemon.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon crumb bars are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
- Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla
Conclusion:
In summary, these Lemon Crumb Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors. The buttery crumb crust combined with the zesty lemon filling creates a treat that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to impress. For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of fresh berries on top or drizzling some melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange to create your own unique version of these bars. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the bright, refreshing taste of these Lemon Crumb Bars for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! Print
Lemon Crumb Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for a Refreshing Dessert
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Enjoy these zesty Lemon Crumb Bars with a buttery crust and a sweet-tart lemon filling, perfect for any gathering. They’re easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk until well mixed.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, packing it down firmly.
- Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 large eggs. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Once the crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board.
- Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for cleaner edges.
- Dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
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