Pin it Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars offer a tender lemon filling that bursts with citrus zing beneath golden, buttery crumbs. These bars crumble with every bite, providing a bright, tangy sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
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The preparation is straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes of active work before the oven transforms the simple ingredients into a golden, delicious treat. With a total time of under three hours, including resting and chilling, these bars are a quick way to bring a sunny, refreshing flavor to your table.
Ingredients
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- For the Crust and Crumb Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
- For the Lemon Filling: 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons), Zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, Pinch of salt.
- Optional for Serving: Powdered sugar, for dusting.
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2. Combine dry crust ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 3. Add melted butter
- Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture is moist and crumbly.
- 4. Reserve topping
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- 5. Initial bake
- Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- 6. Whisk eggs and sugar
- While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup sugar until well combined.
- 7. Finish filling
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the filling is smooth and lump-free.
- 8. Assemble
- Remove the crust from the oven. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
- 9. Add crumb topping
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
- 10. Final bake
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is lightly browned.
- 11. Cool and chill
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 additional hour before slicing into bars.
- 12. Slice and serve
- Once chilled, slice into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a firmer filling, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the lemon mixture. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Ensure they are thoroughly chilled for at least two hours total to make slicing easier and cleaner.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute lime for lemon to create a fun citrus variation. Additionally, the sweetness of the filling can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the granulated sugar to suit your personal taste.
Serviervorschläge
These bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or a chilled glass of Moscato. For a beautiful presentation, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to highlight the golden crumb topping.
Pin it Whether you're serving them at a summer gathering or keeping a batch for a week-long treat, these Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Their vibrant yellow center and buttery topping offer a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should lemon crumb bars chill before serving?
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour at room temperature, then refrigerate for an additional hour. This chilling time is essential for the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices and the perfect texture.
- → Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but it may lack the vibrant citrus zing that makes these bars special. Fresh zest is particularly important for that aromatic lemon essence.
- → Why did my lemon filling turn out runny?
Runny filling usually means insufficient chilling time or underbaking. Make sure to bake until the filling is set—around 20-25 minutes. The refrigeration step is crucial for achieving that firm, sliceable texture.
- → Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually improve after a day in the refrigerator, as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week. They're perfect for making the day before a gathering.
- → What's the best way to get clean, even slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra precision, you can line the pan with parchment paper and lift the entire slab out before cutting on a flat surface.
- → Can I substitute limes for lemons?
Yes! Lime juice and zest work beautifully as a variation. The technique remains exactly the same—you'll just get a different bright citrus profile that pairs wonderfully with the buttery crumb topping.
