Name: Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups quick oats; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated; ½ cup fresh lemon juice; 2 large egg yolks

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If you are looking for a bright, buttery treat that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor, you have to try this Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe. The perfect balance of a golden, oat-filled crust and a luscious, tangy lemon filling topped with a crunchy crumble makes these bars utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or just craving a sunny dessert to brighten your day, this recipe is a total game-changer that’s both straightforward and scrumptious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl with four main layers of dry ingredients. On the left side, there is a mound of light brown sugar with a grainy texture. To the right of the brown sugar is a large white layer of granulated sugar. Next to this is a mix of light beige oats and flour with a slightly rough texture. A white spatula is resting on the oat and flour side within the bowl. Beneath the bowl on the white marbled surface, some butter sticks and a small clear dish with dark vanilla extract can be seen. The overall setting is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the nutty oats to the sweetened condensed milk that adds richness without fuss. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crust, giving structure and lightness.
1 ¼ cups quick oats: Adds texture and a wholesome chew to the crumbly crust.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances sweetness, making flavors pop.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with slight leavening for a tender but sturdy crust.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust with a clean, classic sugar taste.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: Introduces moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
¾ cup unsalted butter (melted): The key to a rich, moist texture and that golden finish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends warmth and rounds out the citrus sharpness.
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Makes the lemon filling creamy and luxuriously sweet.
2 tablespoons lemon zest (finely grated): Packs an aromatic punch that brightens every bite.
½ cup fresh lemon juice: Provides that signature tangy lemon flavor that wakes up your palate.
2 large egg yolks: Help bind the filling while adding richness and silkiness.

How to Make Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray is essential to prevent sticking and to ensure your bars come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Crust Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, quick oats, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. These dry ingredients form the crumbly but sturdy base that balances the bright lemon filling.

Step 3: Add Sugars, Butter, and Vanilla

Stir in both the granulated and light brown sugars, followed by the melted butter and vanilla extract. Work the mixture together until a dough forms, which will be rich, moist, and ready to become the perfect crust.

Step 4: Press Half the Dough and Bake

Firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This step ensures an even, compact crust layer that will hold the lemon filling without crumbling apart. Bake this crust at 350ºF for 15 minutes to give it a lightly golden start.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and egg yolks in a separate large bowl. Beat the filling until it becomes smooth and velvety, setting the stage for that tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the crumble.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Again

Pour the luscious lemon filling over the hot, par-baked crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the filling. Bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges start to take on a lovely golden brown color. This second baking step lets everything set perfectly while developing a beautiful crumb topping.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cooling not only helps the filling set but also enhances the flavors, making each bite refreshingly sweet and tangy with a satisfying crumbly top.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

A square glass dish filled with a crumbly, golden brown oat topping that covers the entire surface evenly, showing a rough texture with small and medium clusters. Behind the dish, there are four whole bright yellow lemons and one half lemon with a fresh juicy interior. Nearby, a white plate holds three silver forks with patterned handles, all set on a turquoise and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars delight on their own, but a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices on top can add a charming touch that boosts their visual appeal and a bit more citrus zing.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience or pair with a simple cup of your favorite tea or coffee to balance the zesty sweetness with warm, comforting flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider placing the bars on a rustic wooden board or a bright serving platter to highlight their golden color. For a party, individual bars served in mini cupcake liners make portable, pretty treats that everyone can enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Lemon Crumb Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and consume within a week for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their taste and texture well for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature if frozen, then heat briefly in a low oven or microwave just until warming through. This restores the buttery aroma and softens the filling without sacrificing the crumbly top.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for that vibrant, bright flavor which is essential in an Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Just be sure to use pure lemon juice without added sugars or preservatives.

What if I don’t have quick oats?

If you only have old-fashioned rolled oats, pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down to a quick oats texture. This ensures your crumb topping stays tender without any tough oat bits.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal measure and double-check your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, the crumb bars stay just as delightful for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry can help make smooth, clean cuts. Cooling the bars completely also prevents the filling from sticking to the knife, giving you neat squares every time.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These bars strike the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a crumbly texture that kids love. Just remind them not to eat the raw dough before baking!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is truly one of those desserts that bring sunshine to your baking routine. It’s simple to prepare, packed with fresh flavor, and makes a beautiful treat to share with friends and family. Once you try making these bars, I bet you’ll find them becoming a beloved staple that you turn to whenever you want a burst of lemony joy.