Lemon Crumb Bars
Lemon Crumb Bars are a bright and tasty treat that combine a soft, tangy lemon filling with a buttery, crumbly topping. The contrast between the zesty lemon and the sweet…
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Lemon Crumb Bars are a bright and tasty treat that combine a soft, tangy lemon filling with a buttery, crumbly topping. The contrast between the zesty lemon and the sweet crumb makes every bite feel fresh and satisfying. They’re simple yet special, perfect for whenever you want a little burst of sunshine on your dessert plate.
I love making these bars because they’re not only delicious but also really easy to whip up. The crumbly topping adds a nice texture that’s not too crunchy but just enough to make them feel homemade and cozy. Whenever I bake them, the whole kitchen fills with that lovely citrus scent that instantly cheers me up.
These bars are great served chilled or at room temperature, and I often slice them into small squares to share with friends or family. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a favorite for afternoon snacks or casual get-togethers. If you want a little extra fun, sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar on top gives them a nice finishing touch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Lemon Crumb Bars
Butter: Cold butter is key for crumbly topping texture. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan margarine or coconut oil, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice gives the best tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh zest really brightens the taste—try not to skip it if you want extra zing!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to crust and filling. For a gluten-free version, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Eggs: Eggs help set the lemon filling firmly. For an egg-free alternative, use an egg replacer, but the texture might be softer.
How Do You Get a Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping?
The crumbly texture depends on how you cut the butter into the flour mixture. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge—don’t melt it.
- Use a pastry cutter, forks, or fingers to mix until the mix looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits—these bits create flakiness when baked.
- Don’t overmix; stop once you have crumbs.
- Press only two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan for the crust; the rest stays loose as topping for a nice contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out cleanly and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowls – one large for crumbs and one medium for lemon filling to keep things organized.
- Whisk – great for mixing the lemon filling smoothly without lumps.
- Pastry cutter or two forks – makes cutting cold butter into flour easy and quick for crumbly texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – precise measurements make the crust and filling just right.
- Wire rack – lets the bars cool evenly so the crust stays crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fresh raspberries or blueberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist with extra color.
- Mix in poppy seeds to the filling for a classic lemon-poppy flavor and subtle crunch.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the crumb topping for a tropical hint and chewiness.
- Replace lemon juice with lime juice and zest to try a zesty lime crumb bar variation that’s just as fresh.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional for extra lemon flavor)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50 minutes to bake in two stages. After baking, plan to let the bars cool completely and chill them in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving. Overall, set aside approximately 2.5 to 3 hours including chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Leave some parchment overhang on the sides—this will help you lift out the bars easily later.
2. Prepare the Crust and Crumb:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces. This will create a nice crumbly texture.
3. Make and Bake the Base Crust:
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake this crust for 15 to 18 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Prepare the Lemon Filling:
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and vanilla extract (if you like) in a medium bowl until the filling is smooth and well blended.
5. Add the Filling and Top with Crumbs:
Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling for a crunchy topping.
6. Bake the Bars:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be set and the crumb topping golden brown when done.
7. Cool, Chill, and Serve:
Let the lemon crumb bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate them for 1-2 hours to let the filling firm up. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Crust and Topping?
Yes! Using cold or frozen butter helps create a crumbly texture. Just cut it into small cubes before adding to the flour mixture.
Is It Okay to Skip the Lemon Zest?
Absolutely! The zest adds extra brightness, but the bars will still have great lemon flavor from the juice alone.
How Long Should I Chill the Bars Before Serving?
Chilling for 1 to 2 hours is best to let the filling firm up, which makes slicing neater and improves the texture.
Can I Store Leftovers at Room Temperature?
It’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
