Description
Easy Lemon Crumb Bars feature a buttery oat and brown sugar crust layered with a sweet, tangy lemon filling and topped with a golden crumble. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these bars make a delightful dessert or snack that is easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble
- 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
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bars don’t stick after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, quick oats, salt, and baking soda. Stir them together evenly.
- Add sugars: Mix in granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the bowl. Work the mixture together until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the crust: Firmly press half of this dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- Prepare the lemon filling: While the crust bakes, combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully blended.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Then, crumble the remaining half of the dough mixture over the top to create the crumb topping.
- Bake again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the lemon crumb bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor and brightness in the filling.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to ensure a sturdy base that holds together well.
- Allow the bars to cool fully to let the lemon filling set properly before slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added texture, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top before the final bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
