These Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the refreshing zing of lemons paired with a buttery, crumbly crust. Filled with a luscious lemon filling and sandwiched between two layers of an oatmeal-based crust, these bars are equal parts sweet, tangy, and satisfying. They’re perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or anytime you’re craving a bright, citrusy treat.
Easy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
These bars are a beautiful combination of textures and flavors. The crust and topping, made from oats, brown sugar, and melted butter, are buttery and slightly crisp, while the lemon filling is smooth, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Serve these Lemon Crumb Bars at your next gathering or enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of tea. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Why Our Lemon Crumb Bars Are the Best
Our Lemon Crumb Bars combine the perfect crumbly texture of the oatmeal crust with a bright, creamy lemon filling. They’re the ideal balance of sweet and tangy, making them a refreshing and satisfying dessert that stands out.
Ingredients Notes for Lemon Crumb Bars
Each ingredient in this Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe works together to create a dessert that’s flavorful and perfectly textured:
Oat Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup (80 g) quick-cooking oats – Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the crust.
- 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the crust and crumble topping.
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed – Sweetens the crust and topping while adding a caramel-like flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the crust rise slightly.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder – Gives the crust a light and crumbly texture.
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crust and topping together while adding richness.
Lemon Filling Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk – Provides creaminess and sweetness to the filling.
- 2 large egg yolks – Help thicken the filling and create a custard-like texture.
- ½ cup (115 g) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5 lemons) – The star ingredient, bringing bright and tangy lemon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Intensifies the lemon flavor with its concentrated citrus oils.
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: For a slightly different flavor, you can use lime juice and lime zest instead of lemon for lime crumb bars.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Lemon Crumb Bars
To make these tangy bars, you’ll need:
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
These bars are easy to make and come together in just a few simple steps:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Oat Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup quick-cooking oats, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. Pour the melted ¾ cup butter over the mixture and mix until crumbly, being careful not to overmix.
Measure out about 2 cups of the oat mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Lemon Filling
In another large bowl, whisk together 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 2 egg yolks, ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bars
Spread the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top of the lemon layer.
5. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Cool and Chill
Let the bars come to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step allows the filling to set and enhances the flavor.
7. Serve
Slice the bars into squares and enjoy! They are best served at room temperature but can also be enjoyed chilled.
How To Store Lemon Crumb Bars
Store leftover Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you’d like to save them for later, freeze the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Lemon Crumb Bars Variations
Here are a few fun ways to customize this recipe:
- Lime Crumb Bars: Substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest for a tangy lime version.
- Mixed Citrus Bars: Use a combination of lemon, lime, and orange juice for a unique citrus twist.
- Coconut Lemon Bars: Add shredded coconut to the oat crust for a tropical flavor.
- Berry Lemon Bars: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries over the lemon filling before baking.
What To Serve With Lemon Crumb Bars
These bars pair wonderfully with light beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter with shortbread cookies or fruit tarts.
Top Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give the bars their vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for best results.
- Press the Crust Firmly: Ensure the crust is packed tightly into the pan so it holds together well after baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Crust: Overmixing can result in a dense topping instead of a crumbly texture.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bars chill completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and a set filling.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.
Helpful Notes
- To zest the lemons, use a microplane or fine grater for best results. Be careful not to grate the bitter white pith.
- For even baking, spread the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
- These bars are great for potlucks, parties, or as a refreshing summer treat!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Using good-quality butter and fresh lemons is key to bringing out the best flavor in a dessert like this.”
- Martha Stewart: “Chilling the bars before serving allows the flavors to develop and makes slicing easier.”
- Mary Berry: “For a professional finish, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but pulse them a few times in a food processor to achieve a finer texture similar to quick oats.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better after chilling, so they’re perfect to make a day in advance.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for its bright and natural flavor. Bottled juice can have a slightly artificial taste.
4. How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out and prevents sticking.
5. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container before freezing for up to 3 months.
Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Oat Crust:
- – 1 cup 80 g quick-cooking oats
- – 1 ½ cups 180 g all-purpose flour
- – 1 cup 200 g light brown sugar (packed)
- – ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- – ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- – ¾ cup 1 ½ sticks / 170 g unsalted butter (melted)
Lemon Filling:
- – 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- – 2 large egg yolks
- – ½ cup 115 g freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5 lemons)
- – 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- – ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Make Oat Crust: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly. Do not overmix to ensure a crumbly topping for later.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Reserve ½ of the oat mixture (about 2 cups) for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Lemon Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the baked oat crust. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top of the lemon filling.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. Slice and serve!
Notes
- For more lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
