Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars offer a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and a buttery oat crust. Bright and refreshing, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping, then press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top. Bake for another 17 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a thicker, tangier filling.
• Chill the bars for an hour before slicing to help them hold their shape better.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store the lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat briefly at room temperature or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Yes, freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness in the filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free lemon crumb bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars feature a buttery oat crust topped with a tangy lemon custard filling and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, these bars are easy to prepare and make a delightful treat for any occasion.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (4×4 grid) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust & Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Filling

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients for Crust: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and pure vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Form Crust and Reserve Topping: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set it lightly before adding the filling.
6. Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or plain yogurt), large egg yolk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• You can substitute plain yogurt for sour cream to lighten the filling slightly.
• Make sure the lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best bright and tangy flavor.
• For easier removal, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Adding a pinch more lemon zest on top before baking can enhance the lemon aroma.

Keywords: Lemon bars, lemon crumb bars, lemon dessert, oat crust bars, sweet lemon bars, homemade lemon bars