Lemon Crumb Bars – A Zesty Delight You Can’t Miss
Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The buttery, slightly crumbly crust and topping pair wonderfully.
with the bright, zesty lemon filling that will transport your taste buds to a sunny afternoon. Whether.
you’re hosting a gathering or just need a little something special to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will definitely hit the spot.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, about 3-4 lemons)
Zest of 2 lemons
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
Then, prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
For the crust, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to mix the ingredients until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
Once the crust is in place, bake it for about 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined. This will form a vibrant, silky filling that balances the richness of the crust.
Once the crust has finished baking, pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumb topping over the lemon layer, covering it completely.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumbs on top are golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
For the perfect finish, you can dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar to give them a sweet touch. Once they’re ready, serve them and enjoy!
How to Make
The key to making these Lemon Crumb Bars is patience and attention to detail. Start by working with softened butter to ensure the crust and topping come together smoothly.
Don’t rush this step – mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
When making the lemon filling, use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The zest is crucial, so make sure to zest the lemons carefully without getting too much of the bitter white pith.
The filling should be smooth and just slightly thickened when you pour it over the crust. It’s okay if it looks a bit runny before baking – it will set perfectly as it cooks.
Keep a close eye on the baking time for the crumb topping. You want it golden and slightly crispy on top but not overcooked.
so check around the 25-minute mark. You can also test the bars by gently tapping the pan – if the filling doesn’t jiggle, it’s done.
Tips
To make cutting the bars easier, let them cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing. This allows the lemon filling to firm up, making them less likely to fall apart when you cut them.
For extra flavor, you can add a bit of lemon extract to the filling if you want a more pronounced citrus taste.
Just a teaspoon will enhance the lemon profile without overpowering the natural flavor.
To store your Lemon Crumb Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
When you’re making the crust, don’t worry if it seems a bit dry before baking. It’s meant to crumble, and the baking process will bring it all together.
If you’re short on time, you can make the crust and crumb topping in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours. This can save you some time when you’re ready to put the bars together.
For a fun twist, try adding some fresh berries on top before serving, or even layer them between the crust and the filling for added texture and flavor.
If you’re sensitive to the tartness of lemon, you can adjust the sugar levels slightly in the lemon filling to balance the flavors to your liking.
Conclusion
Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet with a satisfying texture that makes every bite a joy.
This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet it has that wow factor that will impress anyone you share them with.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
They’re refreshing, delicious, and the ideal treat to brighten up any day. Don’t forget to save this recipe – you’ll want to make it again and again!