Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe 🍋✨
If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy desserts that melt in your mouth, these Lemon Crumb Bars are a must-try! The perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor combined with a buttery crumb topping makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or just craving a citrusy treat, these bars are the ideal solution. What makes this recipe even better is its versatility; you can serve them chilled for a refreshing treat or warm them up for a cozy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead for parties or simply to enjoy throughout the week. 🍋💛
When creating homemade lemon desserts, it’s all about achieving that irresistible flavor combination. Using fresh lemon juice and zest gives these bars an extra pop of citrus, while the buttery crumble adds the perfect contrast in texture. The filling is creamy, sweet, and perfectly tart, which makes every bite deliciously satisfying. 🍋✨
Whether you’re searching for easy lemon dessert recipes or a luxurious crumb bar that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, these Lemon Crumb Bars will not disappoint. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make yet taste like a decadent treat you’d find at a fancy bakery. With this recipe, you can impress your guests without breaking the bank – or a sweat! 😉
🍋 Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🥣
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed 🧈
- 1 large egg
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍋
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 🥣
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- Zest of 2 lemons 🍋
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 large lemons) 🍋🍋
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess) 🍶
🍋 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg, then add it to the butter-flour mixture. Stir until the mixture starts to come together but remains crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set the remaining half aside for the topping.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice, whisking until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in the sour cream.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Add the Crumb Topping and Bake
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the lemon filling. Try to cover the top as evenly as possible, but it’s okay if some lemon filling peeks through.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for a tangy, refreshing dessert, or slightly warmed for a cozy, citrus treat. Enjoy! 🍋✨
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars:
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor – bottled lemon juice just won’t give you that vibrant taste.
- Chilling the Bars: Chilling your bars before cutting will help them hold their shape and make slicing much easier.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months!
🍋 FAQs About Lemon Crumb Bars
Q: Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
A: While you can use store-bought lemon juice, the flavor won’t be as vibrant or fresh. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives these bars their signature tangy flavor! 🍋
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to help hold the crust together.
Q: Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?
A: Absolutely! Once the bars are fully cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: Can I add a different flavor to these bars?
A: You can! Try adding a bit of lime or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or even mix in some berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity variation.
These Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone craving a balance of tangy and sweet. With the use of fresh lemons and a buttery crumb topping, these bars are not only delicious but also look stunning on any dessert table. Perfect for sharing, or for savoring slowly with your favorite cup of tea! ☕🍋
