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Delightful Lemon Crumb Treat

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These bars pair a crumbly oat crust with a creamy, lemony middle layer. The crust and topping mix is made from oats, brown sugar, and butter, adding a satisfying crunch. The filling has bright lemon juice and zest combined with sweet milk for the perfect tangy punch. You’ll use the same crumb mix for both layers, keeping prep super simple. Once baked, they need to cool completely, or refrigerate for extra firmness. A parchment paper sling makes slicing easy and fuss-free.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:41:02 GMT
Tangy Lemon Crumb Bars Pin it
Tangy Lemon Crumb Bars | cuisinegenial.com

Classic homemade Lemon Crumb Bars featuring a buttery oat base, zesty lemon filling, and golden crumble topping. These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for citrus lovers.

This treasured family recipe comes from countless hours spent in my grandmother's kitchen. The bright citrus filling and buttery crumb topping never fail to bring smiles at gatherings, with empty plates speaking to their popularity.

Key Ingredients

  • Butter: Softened to room temperature
  • Regular Oats: For hearty texture
  • Fresh Lemons: Both zest and juice needed
  • All-Purpose Flour: Measured carefully
  • Brown Sugar: For rich sweetness
  • Eggs: Room temperature preferred
  • Vanilla: Pure extract only
  • Salt: To enhance taste

Preparation Method

1. Make the Crumble:
Combine melted butter and brown sugar thoroughly. Fold in oats, flour, and salt until crumbly. Set aside 1 cup for topping.
2. Form the Base:
Press remaining mixture into prepared baking pan. Bake at 350°F until golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling:
Blend lemon zest with sugar. Add eggs, juice, and flour, mixing until perfectly smooth and free of lumps.
4. Layer Components:
Pour lemon mixture over base. Top with reserved crumble, creating texture with varied sized pieces.
5. Complete Baking:
Bake until filling sets but still has slight movement. Look for golden edges, about 25-30 minutes.
Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe Pin it
Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Traditional baking wisdom holds true here - patience during cooling yields perfect squares instead of messy servings.

Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Pin it
Easy Lemon Crumb Bars | cuisinegenial.com

Storage Instructions

Keep in sealed container up to 3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated. Separate layers with parchment. Freeze individually wrapped bars up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these versatile bars chilled or at room temperature. For special presentations, add powdered sugar just before serving or accompany with fresh cream and seasonal berries.

Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe Pin it
Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Recipe Variations

Try orange zest for sweetness or lime for tang. Add fresh blueberries to the filling or chopped nuts to the topping. Winter versions benefit from warm spices in the crumble. Each variation maintains the recipe's fundamental charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap fresh lemon juice with bottled?
Using fresh is best for flavor, but bottled is fine if you have no other choice. Don't skip using fresh zest!
→ What’s the best way to store these?
Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for 3 days, or in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week.
→ Can these be put in the freezer?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw slowly in the fridge before serving.
→ Why is my filling softer than expected?
Allow the bars to fully cool after baking. Pop them in the fridge for half an hour if they’re still too soft.
→ Is doubling this recipe doable?
Yes, double the amounts and use a 9x13 pan. You’ll need to bake for 5-10 minutes longer to get it just right.

Lemon Oat Snack

Crumbly, buttery base and topping combined with condensed milk and lemon for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crumble Base and Topping

01 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, unsalted
02 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed
04 1 1/4 cups rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)
05 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use a divided amount)

→ Tangy Lemon Filling

07 Juice and zest from 2 big lemons or 3 medium ones
08 One 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Layer two sheets of parchment paper crisscrossed in an 8x8 baking pan, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.

Step 02

Melt butter, then stir it into the brown sugar, baking powder, and part of the salt. Toss the oats and flour into the mix. Set aside 1 cup for the crumbly top.

Step 03

Press the rest of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepped pan. Bake this for 12 to 14 minutes, just until you see it start to turn a light golden color.

Step 04

Stir together the lemon juice, zest, sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining salt until it’s silky smooth.

Step 05

While the crust is still warm, pour the lemon mixture over it. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top. Pop it back into the oven for 22 to 24 minutes, or until you see the edges start to brown.

Step 06

Let it cool down completely, which takes about an hour and a half. For firmer bars, chill them in the fridge for an extra 30 minutes. Slice into 12 pieces when ready.

Notes

  1. Chilling in the fridge makes the filling firmer
  2. Tastes best if served at room temperature
  3. Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift out of the pan

Tools You'll Need

  • An 8x8 baking pan
  • Parchment paper (to line the pan)
  • A microwaveable bowl
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (butter and condensed milk)
  • Wheat in the flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 5 g