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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a square baking pan by lightly greasing its surface, then set the oven to 350F (175C) for precise heating.
- Create a foundational crumb mixture by blending flour, sugar, and chilled butter until it develops a textured, granular consistency.
- Carefully distribute and firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the pan’s bottom, forming a compact and even base layer.
- 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.
- Gently pour the zesty lemon mixture over the prepared crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Liberally scatter the remaining crumb mixture across the lemon filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and intensifies the flavors.
- 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