Lemon crumb bars are like a sunbeam on a plate, bursting with the zingy flavor of citrus and the comforting crunch of buttery crumbs. Just imagine sinking your teeth into that perfect balance of tart and sweet, while the aroma of fresh lemons dances through your kitchen, drawing everyone closer, as if they can smell the happiness baking inside. refreshing Ambrosia Salad
I remember the first time I made lemon crumb bars; it was during a family picnic, where I intended to impress my relatives with my newfound baking skills. The moment those golden-brown beauties hit the table, I felt like a culinary superstar! Little did I know that my cousin would claim he was on a “low-carb diet” right before devouring three bars in record time. festive Halloween Cupcakes It was a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lemon crumb bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for beginners
- The bright flavor profile will refresh your palate and lift your spirits
- With their beautiful golden crust, they look stunning on any dessert table
- These bars are versatile enough to serve at picnics, potlucks, or even as an afternoon treat with tea
My friends devoured these lemon crumb bars at our last get-together, leaving just crumbs behind and asking for more! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Lemons: Use juicy lemons for the best flavor; zest them well for an extra zing.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; adjust based on personal preference for tartness. Strawberry Custard Tart.
Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for rich flavor; melt it for easy mixing.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it first to avoid clumps in the batter.
Baking Powder: A must for fluffiness; make sure it’s fresh for maximum lift.
Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs for consistent results.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on top after baking; adds a lovely finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to ensure nothing sticks.
Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter with sugar until creamy. Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Add flour and baking powder until crumbly.
Press Crust Into Pan: Take about two-thirds of this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form the base.
Prepare Lemon Filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the crust.
Add Remaining Crust: Crumble the remaining dough over the lemon filling using your fingers. Spread evenly but allow some gaps to let that filling peek through.
Bake To Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. The edges should be slightly firm while the center is still soft.
Cool And Serve: Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that irresistible touch.
Enjoy these delightful lemon crumb bars as they bring sunshine into your day!
You Must Know
- Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that balance sweetness and tanginess perfectly
- These bars are great for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home
- The aroma of fresh lemons wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven while preparing the crust. Bake the crust until golden, then mix the filling and pour it over. Lastly, bake until set for a perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with adding coconut flakes or berries to the filling. You can also swap out regular sugar for coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For serving, enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect crumbly texture, do not overmix your crust
- Instead of regular lemons, try Meyer lemons for added sweetness
- Always allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices
I still remember the first time I made these Lemon Crumb Bars for my best friend’s birthday. She said they were better than cake!
FAQ
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemons?
Absolutely! Limes or oranges can also create delicious crumb bars with unique flavors.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Look for a slight jiggle in the center; they will firm up as they cool down.
Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?
Yes! They freeze well; just wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months.
Lemon Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Lemon crumb bars are a bright and delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet and tangy flavors. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a luscious lemon filling, these bars are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Picture them on your dessert table, dusted with powdered sugar, ready to be shared among friends and family. Whether for a picnic or a cozy afternoon snack, these lemon crumb bars will surely bring sunshine to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix melted butter with granulated sugar until creamy. Add flour and baking powder; mix until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top; edges should be firm while the center is slightly soft.
- Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
