Lemon Crumb Bars
If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy, then these Lemon Crumb Bars are just what you need! I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy they bring to any gathering. The bright flavor of fresh lemons combined with a buttery crust creates a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these bars are always a hit!
What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to prepare. You’ll find yourself making these lemon crumb bars again and again, and they’re perfect for sharing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful bars in no time.
- Family-Friendly: These lemon crumb bars are loved by kids and adults alike, making them a great choice for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: They store well in the fridge, so you can prepare them ahead of time for parties or potlucks.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a zing that will brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious lemon crumb bars, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tailor it to fit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Add Some Berries: Toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries for an extra fruity twist.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend—it’s just as delicious!
- Try Different Citrus: Experiment with lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a unique flavor profile.
- Mix in Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the crumb topping for a tropical flair.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, melted butter, and salt until the mixture is crumbly. This crust will be the foundation of our lemon crumb bars. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for the topping later! Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Zesty Filling
While your crust is baking, take another bowl and whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. This filling is where all that bright flavor comes from! It’s important to mix well so that everything blends nicely together.
Step 3: Combine and Bake Again
Once your crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour that luscious lemon mixture over it evenly. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top—this will create a lovely texture! Bake again for about 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and the top looks lightly golden.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Let those beautiful bars cool completely in the pan before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least an hour helps them set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, slice them into squares and dust with powdered sugar for that final touch of sweetness!
And there you have it—your very own batch of delicious Lemon Crumb Bars! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Crumb Bars
Making these lemon crumb bars is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your baking game!
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Use fresh lemons: The zest and juice from fresh lemons provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice is convenient, but it cannot match the brightness of fresh fruit.
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Chill the bars: Allowing the bars to cool completely and then chilling them in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps them set properly. This makes slicing easier and enhances their texture.
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Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper ensures that the bars come out cleanly and helps prevent sticking. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
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Experiment with sweetness: If you prefer a less tangy treat, feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling. Just remember that balancing sweetness with acidity is key to achieving that perfect lemon flavor.
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Dust just before serving: Adding powdered sugar as a garnish right before serving keeps it looking fresh and prevents it from dissolving into the bars.
How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars
These lemon crumb bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some fun ways to serve them!
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances presentation.
- Fresh berries: A handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries adds color and a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Side Dishes
- Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative to traditional whipped cream adds a creamy texture without overpowering the lemon flavor. Just whip up some chilled coconut cream until fluffy.
- Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, complements these lemon crumb bars beautifully, balancing their tanginess.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings out the zesty notes in the bars while adding nutrients and brightness to your dessert spread.
- Lemonade: For an extra citrus kick, serve your crumb bars alongside a glass of homemade lemonade. The sweet-tart flavors will harmonize wonderfully together.
By following these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll create an unforgettable dessert experience that friends and family will love! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Make Ahead and Storage
These lemon crumb bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime you need a little pick-me-up. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or simply want a delicious snack on hand, these bars store beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
- Store lemon crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.
Freezing
- To freeze lemon crumb bars, let them cool completely after baking.
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- If you like warm lemon crumb bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual bars for about 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making lemon crumb bars that might help you out!
What makes Lemon Crumb Bars special?
Lemon crumb bars stand out for their delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, complemented by a buttery crust and crumbly topping. They’re a refreshing dessert option that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying!
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for Lemon Crumb Bars?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, using fresh lemons will give your bars that vibrant zest and aroma that enhances their taste.
How long do Lemon Crumb Bars last?
When stored properly at room temperature, lemon crumb bars can last up to 2 days. If refrigerated, they will stay fresh for about a week. For long-term storage, you can freeze them and enjoy them later!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make these lemon crumb bars as I am! They truly bring a burst of sunshine with every bite, making them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring this delightful treat – it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Lemon Crumb Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the bright flavors of Lemon Crumb Bars, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. These bars feature a buttery crust topped with a smooth lemon filling, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering. With their irresistible flavor and simple preparation, these bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, and don’t forget to dust them with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together 1½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, melted butter, and salt until crumbly. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, remaining flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture on top. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let cool completely in the pan before chilling in the fridge for at least an hour. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
