Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a buttery crumb topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. These bars are ideal for a refreshing dessert or a quick snack, offering a burst of citrus flavor that brightens up any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside the remaining half for the crumb topping.
Prepare the Lemon Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the lemon filling.
Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Serving Tips:
Serve Chilled: For a refreshing treat, serve Lemon Crumb Bars chilled. The coolness enhances the tartness of the lemon filling, making it a perfect dessert for warm days.
Garnish with Fresh Lemon Zest: Before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor and a pop of color.
Pair with Beverages: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, as well as a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a summery vibe.
Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a slight sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Cut into Small Squares: If serving at a party or gathering, consider cutting the bars into smaller squares for easy finger food that guests can enjoy without needing a plate or fork.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Lemon Crumb Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure the bars are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation, which could make the crumb topping soggy.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Chilled bars have a firmer texture and a more pronounced lemon flavor.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Preventing Sogginess: To maintain the crispness of the crumb topping, avoid storing the bars in a warm or humid environment. If the topping becomes soft, you can lightly reheat the bars in a low oven to crisp them up again.
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FAQs:
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter, more natural citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Lemon Crumb Bars.
How do I know when the Lemon Crumb Bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. You can gently shake the pan; the filling should not jiggle in the center. The edges may appear slightly more set than the center, which is fine as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make Lemon Crumb Bars ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Crumb Bars can be made ahead of time. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
How do I prevent the crumb topping from becoming soggy?
To keep the crumb topping crisp, make sure the bars are fully cooled before storing them in an airtight container. If you plan to refrigerate or freeze the bars, consider placing a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture that might cause the topping to soften.
Conclusion:
These Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. With their irresistible combination of zesty lemon filling and buttery crumb topping, they offer a delightful balance of flavors that’s hard to beat.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect blend of tart and sweet with these Lemon Crumb Bars. Featuring a buttery crumb topping and a zesty lemon filling, this dessert is ideal for any occasion. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest.
Make sure the bars are completely cooled before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 210 kcal
