Get ready to fall in love with a zesty, buttery treat that’s perfect anytime you crave something sweet but fresh. This Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe combines the bright, tangy punch of lemon with a tender crumbly crust and topping, delivering a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. They’re as gorgeous as they are delicious, making them a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a special homemade snack that feels just a little bit fancy without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together in this recipe to create amazing flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from the buttery crust that provides a tender base, to the fresh lemon juice that packs in that signature citrus zing on every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for both crust and filling, it ensures the right structure and crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tart lemon while contributing to a chewy texture.
- Baking powder: A little lift for a tender, light crumb in the crust and filling.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Cold unsalted butter: Gives the crumb its rich, flaky texture and buttery taste.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a smooth, custardy lemon filling.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient, delivering fresh citrus brightness and tartness.
- Lemon zest (optional): A citrusy boost that adds depth to the lemon flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For an elegant dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and visual charm.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This little prep step will save you from a sticky mess and make slicing those bars a breeze.
Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Adding cold, cubed butter next is essential — cutting it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or fork achieves that perfect crumbly texture that’s the hallmark of a great bar. Once it looks like coarse crumbs, stir in the beaten egg just until the dough holds together. This crust sets the stage for all the lemony goodness to come.
Step 3: Form the Crust Layer
Press about two-thirds of your crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure the layer is even and packed down well, since it will provide that chewy, buttery base for the luscious lemon filling. Don’t worry if it looks crumbly at this point — it will bake into perfection.
Step 4: Mix the Lemon Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest together until smooth. This filling is a luscious blend of tangy and sweet, thick enough to hold its shape but silky on the palate—pure sunshine in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the bright lemon filling evenly over the crust you pressed into the pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture carefully over the lemon layer, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible for that classic crumb top. This layering of textures is what makes these bars irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to see the top turn a delicate golden hue and the filling set firmly without jiggling. That signals that your Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is ready to cool and be devoured.
Step 7: Cool, Dust, and Slice
Let the bars cool completely right in the pan—that’s key for clean slices. When cooled, sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar if you like a sweet finishing touch. Then cut into nine squares and get ready to impress everyone with this dreamy dessert.
How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar brings an elegant finish to these bars, enhancing their visual appeal and adding a little extra sweetness. Fresh lemon zest scattered on top takes the presentation up a notch and intensifies that bright lemon flavor. For a fun twist, try a small dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of fresh mint to brighten each serving.
Side Dishes
Lemon Crumb Bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or a light coffee, making them an excellent choice for afternoon tea or a brunch dessert. They also complement fruit salads or yogurt parfaits superbly, balancing creamy or fruity flavors with their zesty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your bars on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand for a charming touch. For gatherings, consider stacking them in tiers, or package individual squares in pretty boxes tied with ribbon as delightful homemade gifts. Adding a thin drizzle of white chocolate or a smear of lemon curd on the side can also jazz things up in a gourmet way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, these bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer chilled bars, storing them in the refrigerator is a great option that extends their freshness to about a week without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, lemon crumb bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Though these bars are delicious cold, warming them slightly can enhance the experience. Reheat individual squares in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked aroma and soften any chilled firmness.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for savoring the bright, natural flavor in these bars, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works—but be sure to choose one without added preservatives or sweeteners for the closest result.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?
No worries! You can use two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture or even your fingers, quickly rubbing the cold butter and flour between your fingertips until crumbly. Just be careful not to overwork the dough to keep that tender crumb texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.
How tart are these Lemon Crumb Bars?
They offer a bright citrus tang that’s balanced by sweetness in the filling and the gentle crumbly crust. If you want more zing, add extra lemon zest or a splash more lemon juice; for a milder taste, cut back just slightly on the lemon juice.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just watch the baking time closely; it may need a few extra minutes to set fully in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more enjoyable to eat. It’s that perfect balance of easy, comforting baking and bright, fresh flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, give these bars a try — they might just become your new favorite go-to dessert!
Print
Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these tangy and sweet Lemon Crumb Bars, featuring a buttery crumbly crust layered with a smooth, zesty lemon filling and topped with a golden crumb topping. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack, these bars combine bright lemon flavor with a tender, shortbread-like texture.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg, beaten
Lemon Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare crumb mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the beaten egg until the dough just comes together.
- Form crust: Press about 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Make lemon filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth.
- Assemble bars: Pour the lemon filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, covering it as evenly as possible.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Cut into 9 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- Make sure the butter is cold for crumbly topping texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent filling from oozing out.
- Optional lemon zest enhances the lemon flavor without adding acidity.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
