Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars combine a sweet, buttery crust, a creamy, tangy lemon filling, and a crisp oat crumble topping for the perfect dessert. The balance of flavors and textures makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion. They are simple to prepare and require just a few basic ingredients, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Unlike traditional lemon bars with a shortbread crust, these bars have an oat-based crumble that adds a pleasant chewiness and depth of flavor. The filling is rich and smooth, thanks to sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice, creating a contrast between the crisp layers. Whether served at a summer picnic, holiday gathering, or as a weekday dessert, these bars always impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for any baker.
• Perfect balance of flavors – The tangy lemon filling complements the sweet, buttery crust.
• Great texture – The crunchy oat topping adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Versatile – Enjoy as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools & Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan – Ensures the bars bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls – One for the crust/topping and another for the filling.
• Whisk & spatula – Helps mix the ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups & spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
• Parchment paper or foil – Makes it easier to lift the bars out after baking.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice lacks brightness.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest slightly.
• Press the crust firmly into the pan to create a stable base.

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Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat & Prepare the Pan:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
3. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.

Make the Crust & Topping:

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda.
5. In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for at least 1 minute until fully combined.
6. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well mixed.

Form the Crust:

7. Remove about 3/4 cup of the mixture and set aside for the crumb topping.
8. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan. It will be buttery, which is normal.
9. Bake for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

10. While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Assemble & Bake:

11. Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and spread it evenly. Be gentle, as the crust is still soft.
12. Crumble the reserved dough over the filling.
13. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.

Cool & Serve:

14. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Once fully cooled, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
16. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways. Here are a few ideas:

1. Lightly Dusted with Powdered Sugar

A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances the sweetness and makes the bars look even more inviting. This is an easy way to give them a polished finish.

2. With Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, balancing the tanginess of the lemon filling.

3. Paired with Fresh Berries

Serve with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The sweetness of the berries complements the tartness of the lemon filling.

4. With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

For a richer treat, pair these bars with vanilla ice cream. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the crumbly texture of the crust and topping.

5. Served with Greek Yogurt and Honey

A healthier option is serving them with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. This adds protein and a creamy texture while balancing the sweetness.

6. Alongside a Cup of Tea or Coffee

Hot beverages, especially black tea or espresso, pair well with these bars. The bitterness of the coffee or tea offsets the sweetness of the filling.

7. Topped with Lemon Curd

For an extra lemony kick, add a small spoonful of lemon curd on top of each bar before serving. This makes the bars even more vibrant and tangy.

8. With Toasted Coconut Flakes

Sprinkling lightly toasted coconut flakes on top adds a subtle tropical flavor and extra crunch.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

To get the best results, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the texture and flavor of the bars. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and tips to perfect the recipe.

1. Not Letting the Bars Cool Before Cutting

Mistake: Cutting into the bars too soon can cause them to fall apart, as the filling needs time to set.

Solution: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting.

2. Overbaking the Bars

Mistake: Baking for too long can make the crust too hard and the filling too dry.

Solution: Remove the bars from the oven when the top is lightly golden and the filling is just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

3. Using Bottled Lemon Juice

Mistake: Bottled lemon juice lacks the freshness and brightness of real lemon juice, which can result in a dull flavor.

Solution: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste. It enhances the tartness and adds a natural citrus aroma.

4. Skipping the Parchment Paper Lining

Mistake: If you don’t line the pan with parchment paper or foil, it can be difficult to remove the bars without breaking them.

Solution: Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out.

5. Not Pressing the Crust Firmly Enough

Mistake: A loosely packed crust can cause the bars to crumble when sliced.

Solution: Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust firmly into the pan before baking.

6. Using Cold Ingredients for the Filling

Mistake: If the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolk, or sour cream are too cold, they won’t mix smoothly, leading to a lumpy filling.

Solution: Let all ingredients come to room temperature before mixing for a silky-smooth filling.

7. Cutting Bars Too Large

Mistake: Large squares can be overwhelming, especially since the bars are rich and flavorful.

Solution: Cut into smaller portions for a more balanced serving size.

8. Not Storing the Bars Properly

Mistake: Leaving the bars at room temperature for too long can cause the filling to become too soft and lose its structure.

Solution: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration

To keep the bars fresh and prevent the lemon filling from softening too much, store them in the refrigerator.

• How to store: Place the bars in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them if stacking.
• Shelf life: They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

These bars freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

• How to freeze: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Shelf life: They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thawing: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving, or refrigerate overnight.

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Reheating Instructions

While these bars are typically enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, some people prefer them slightly warm. If you’d like to reheat them:

• Oven method: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the bars for 5 minutes on a baking sheet.
• Microwave method: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 10-second intervals until just warm. Avoid overheating, as the filling can become too soft.

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Recipe Tips for Best Results

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for achieving the bright, tangy flavor that makes these bars stand out. Using real vanilla extract instead of imitation will also enhance the depth of flavor.

2. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a slightly less sweet filling, you can reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly or increase the lemon juice for extra tartness.

3. Make the Crust Extra Crisp

For a firmer crust, bake it for an additional 2-3 minutes before adding the filling. This will give it a slight crunch while still staying buttery.

4. Try Different Citrus Variations

While lemon is classic, you can substitute lime, orange, or even grapefruit juice and zest for a different flavor twist.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping

For extra texture, mix chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the crumb topping before baking.

6. Make Them Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make these bars suitable for gluten-free diets.

7. Let the Flavors Develop

These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If possible, make them a day ahead and refrigerate overnight before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste artificial and lacks the brightness of fresh juice.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes. You can use whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

3. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can try making your own by simmering whole milk and sugar until thickened. However, the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

4. How do I prevent the crust from becoming too soft?

Make sure to bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, avoid overmixing the crust ingredients, as this can affect the texture.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase by 5-7 minutes, so keep an eye on the bars as they bake.

6. What if I don’t have sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will maintain the creamy texture of the filling.

7. Can I make these bars dairy-free?

To make them dairy-free, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and vegan butter instead of regular butter.

8. How can I make the bars extra lemony?

Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a little extra lemon juice for a stronger citrus flavor.

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Final Thoughts

These Lemon Crumb Bars are an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert with a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. With proper storage and a few simple recipe adjustments, you can enjoy them fresh, freeze them for later, or experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Whether served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or a cup of tea, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.