Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe: Bright & Buttery Bliss

Zesty and bright, these delectable lemon crumb bars promise a burst of sunshine on your plate.

Buttery shortbread forms the perfect foundation for a tangy, creamy filling that dances with citrusy notes.

Crisp crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast to each sweet-tart bite.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Baking these bars is like capturing a slice of summer in every mouthwatering square.

Prepare to be charmed by this irresistible dessert that combines comfort and excitement in one delightful treat.

You’ll want to savor every single crumbly, lemony moment.

What Sets Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Apart

• Zesty lemon filling provides a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through sweetness, making these bars refreshingly delightful.
• Versatile treat works beautifully for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend desserts that everyone will love.
• Minimal steps and straightforward technique mean you can create a delectable dessert without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the crust and filling of the lemon crumb bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in both the crust and filling.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky base and contributes to the crumbly texture of the bars.

• Eggs: Bind the lemon filling together and help create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor that is essential to the recipe.
• Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon flavor and aromatic notes to the filling.

• Flour (Additional): Helps thicken the lemon filling and provides stability to the recipe.

How to Bake Easy Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a square baking pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cold butter

Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Press half of this crumbly goodness firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Filling

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Flour

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Pour this bright, tangy filling evenly over the crumb base you just created.

Step 4: Add the Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture across the top of the lemon filling, creating a delightful crackly layer that will turn golden and crisp.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling sets.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

This waiting game helps them set and makes cutting into neat squares much easier.

Once cooled, slice and serve these tangy, crumbly delights!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars

• Use fresh lemons and grate the zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, which can make your bars taste less bright and tangy.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and easier slicing.
• Replace lemon with other citrus like lime or orange for a delightful flavor variation that keeps the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to ensure a crisp, golden crust that doesn't stick or become mushy.

How to Keep Lemon Crumb Bars Fresh

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for soft, fresh texture. Avoid overheating to maintain the crumbly crust's delicate structure.

Best Pairings for Lemon Crumb Bars

• Zesty Citrus Beverage Companion: Pair these lemon bars with a chilled glass of homemade lemonade or sparkling water with a lemon twist for a refreshing citrus harmony.
• Creamy Contrast Pairing: Serve alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the tangy lemon flavor with smooth, cool creaminess.
• Tea Time Match: Complement these bars with a light Earl Grey tea or a delicate chamomile brew to enhance the subtle citrus notes and provide a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Choose a sweet Moscato or Riesling wine to complement the bar's bright lemon flavor, creating a delightful dessert experience with a touch of elegance.

Flavorful Variations on Lemon Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same zesty flavor and crumbly texture.
• Vegan Citrus Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil and eggs with a flax egg mixture, creating a plant-based dessert that's equally tangy and delicious.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Squares: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reducing calories while keeping the bright, refreshing taste.
• Zesty Lime Alternative: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh lime for a tropical-inspired variation that offers a slightly different citrus profile.

FAQs

• How tart are these lemon bars?

These bars have a bright, zesty lemon flavor that’s balanced with sweetness. The recipe uses both lemon juice and zest, creating a tangy but not overpowering citrus taste that’s refreshing and not too sour.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sugars for the most authentic taste.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make these bars?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are simple: mix, press, pour, and sprinkle. Even novice bakers can create delicious lemon crumb bars with minimal baking experience.

• What texture can I expect from these bars?

These bars have a buttery, crumbly base with a smooth, custard-like lemon filling and a crisp, streusel-like topping. The contrast between the soft filling and the crunchy crumb layers makes them irresistibly delicious.

Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crumb bars combine sweet and tangy flavors in a delightful dessert that brings sunshine to your plate. Buttery crumble layers and bright citrus notes create a perfect balance for craving something refreshingly delicious you’ll absolutely love.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 eggs

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Additional Ingredients:

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a square baking pan by lightly greasing its surface, then set the oven to 350F (175C) for precise heating.
2. Create a foundational crumb mixture by blending flour, sugar, and chilled butter until it develops a textured, granular consistency.
3. Carefully distribute and firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the pan’s bottom, forming a compact and even base layer.
4. Craft a vibrant lemon filling by whisking eggs, sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, delicate lemon zest, and a touch of flour until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
5. Gently pour the zesty lemon mixture over the prepared crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Liberally scatter the remaining crumb mixture across the lemon filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation that signals perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and intensifies the flavors.
9. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into precise squares, revealing the layers of buttery crust and tangy lemon filling.

Notes

• Zest Selection: Choose bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum citrusy flavor and aromatic intensity.
• Butter Temperature: Use ice-cold butter and work quickly to create those perfect, flaky crumb layers that melt in your mouth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Cutting Technique: Let bars cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise square slices that look bakery-perfect.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg