These Lemon Crumb Bars are a dream come true for citrus lovers. With a bright and tangy lemon filling nestled between a buttery, crumbly crust and topping, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Each bite is refreshing, creamy, and irresistibly rich.
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, need a dessert for a party, or simply want to treat yourself, these bars are a must-try. The best part? They’re easy to make with simple ingredients, yet they look and taste like a bakery-quality dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: Tangy lemon filling pairs beautifully with the buttery crumb crust.
- Easy to make: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for parties, gatherings, or even as a refreshing after-dinner treat.
- Versatile: Serve chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature for a comforting dessert.
- Beautiful presentation: They slice cleanly and look stunning on a dessert platter.
Recipe: Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 large egg yolks
Directions
- Prepare the Crust and Crumb:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
- Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the lemon filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a bright, tangy treat.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Dust the bars with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, or garnish with a thin slice of lemon for a pop of color.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Option: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
- Crust Consistency: Press the crust layer firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together well when slicing.
- Zest Boost: For extra lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling or sprinkle some into the crumb mixture.
- Thicker Bars: If you prefer a thicker bar, use an 8x8-inch pan and adjust the baking time by adding 5–7 minutes.
- Test for Doneness: The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use limes instead of lemons?
Absolutely! Swap the lemon juice and zest for lime juice and zest to make Lime Crumb Bars. - What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Unfortunately, sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy texture and sweetness of the filling. It’s worth making a trip to the store for this key ingredient. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. - Do I need to chill the bars before serving?
While you can serve them at room temperature, chilling the bars allows the filling to fully set, making them easier to slice and enhancing the flavor. - How do I toast the coconut for garnish?
To toast shredded coconut, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and buttery goodness. The vibrant lemon filling is balanced by the tender crumb layers, creating a dessert that’s satisfying without being overly sweet.
I love how versatile and easy these bars are to make. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing summer dessert or a bright treat during the colder months, they always hit the spot. Plus, they’re easy to transport and make ahead, making them a great option for parties, picnics, or bake sales.
Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with the zesty, buttery magic of these bars. Happy baking!
Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 large egg yolks
Instructions
Prepare the Crust and Crumb:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the lemon filling.
Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a bright, tangy treat.
Notes
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
- Crust Consistency: Press the crust layer firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together well when slicing.
- Zest Boost: For extra lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling or sprinkle some into the crumb mixture.
- Thicker Bars: If you prefer a thicker bar, use an 8x8-inch pan and adjust the baking time by adding 5–7 minutes.
- Test for Doneness: The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
