Lemon Crumb Bars: A Tangy, Sweet, and Irresistible Summer Delight

Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate dessert for those who crave a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet buttery goodness. With a golden, crumbly crust, a luscious lemon filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are a symphony of flavors and textures that make them an ideal choice for any summer occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family picnic, gathering friends for a barbecue, or simply craving a refreshing treat, these Lemon Crumb Bars will satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a burst of citrusy brightness.

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The blend of fresh lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk in the filling creates a smooth, creamy texture, while the crumbly crust and topping give a delightful contrast. Easy to make, these bars come together quickly, but the wait is worth it as they need to cool and set in the fridge for the flavors to meld perfectly. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels light, fresh, and indulgent all at once, look no further than Lemon Crumb Bars. They’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire, especially during the warm weather months when citrus is at its peak.

Ingredient Breakdown

To make these Lemon Crumb Bars, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a rich yet refreshing treat. The crust is buttery and slightly sweet, made with a combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, and a touch of baking powder. The lemon filling is the star of the show—made from fresh lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, it’s tangy, smooth, and creamy. The topping is a continuation of the crumbly crust, adding texture and a golden finish to the bars. Here’s a detailed list of 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 oz) 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)

These ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a dessert that’s both familiar and unique. The crust is a basic yet delicious mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, while the lemon filling brings a bright, tart contrast that perfectly complements the buttery texture of the crust. Each bite is a delightful combination of tangy lemon and rich, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part—preparing your Lemon Crumb Bars! This recipe requires a little patience, as the bars need time to cool and set, but the steps themselves are quick and straightforward. Here’s how to make this irresistible treat:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. The parchment paper will help you easily lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled, making cutting and serving a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the pan, but parchment paper ensures the bars won’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients together until they’re well combined. Next, pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. The texture should resemble coarse crumbs, and it should hold together when pressed. This is your crust mixture, which will form both the base and topping of the bars.

Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan
Take about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it into an even layer that covers the bottom of the pan. Make sure to press it down well so that the crust holds together during baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This initial baking step will help set the crust, providing a sturdy base for the creamy lemon filling.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt. The sweetened condensed milk adds richness and sweetness, while the egg yolks provide the necessary structure and texture. Once the mixture is smooth, gradually whisk in the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice will provide the tangy flavor that defines this dessert, giving it a refreshing and zesty taste. Make sure the lemon juice is fully incorporated into the filling mixture, and whisk until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars
When the crust has finished baking, remove the pan from the oven. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Once the filling is in place, sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture over the top. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the entire surface—this will create a lovely crumbly topping when the bars bake.

Step 6: Bake the Bars
Place the pan back in the oven and bake the bars for an additional 15-20 minutes. The top should be golden and slightly set, and the filling should be firm around the edges but still a little jiggly in the center. The lemon filling will continue to set as the bars cool, so don’t worry if it’s not completely firm right out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. The cooling process is important because it helps the filling firm up, making it easier to cut the bars without them falling apart. After the bars have cooled, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to fully set. This chilling step ensures that the bars hold their shape and provides the refreshing, cool texture that makes them so irresistible.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the bars have chilled and set, remove them from the fridge and use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Place the bars on a cutting board and slice them into squares. Serve chilled, and enjoy the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet, crumbly goodness. These bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

Lemon Crumb Bars are already delicious, but you can make them your own with a few simple substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Crust: If you need to make these bars gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
• Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the filling. This will enhance the lemon flavor and add a nice aromatic quality to the bars.
• Berry Variation: If you love berries, try adding fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to the filling for a fun twist. The tartness of the berries complements the lemon perfectly.
• Coconut Crust: For a tropical variation, you can replace part of the flour in the crust with shredded coconut. This will give the bars a subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lemon filling.
• Dairy-Free Version: If you want to make these bars dairy-free, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free version, and use a plant-based butter and heavy cream alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a treat on their own, but you can also pair them with other refreshing summer desserts or serve them as part of a dessert table. For an extra touch, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also serve them with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. These bars are best served chilled, making them perfect for hot weather or after a heavy meal when you crave something light and refreshing.

Why You Should Try Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, offering a delightful texture with every bite. The buttery, crumbly crust pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon filling, making these bars a standout dessert for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a summer-inspired dessert, Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your lemons, preheat the oven, and enjoy this deliciously tangy treat that’s sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your day.