These Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. The vibrant lemon filling adds a burst of citrusy freshness that pairs beautifully with the golden crust and crumb topping. Ideal for spring picnics, summer gatherings, or a simple dessert to brighten your day, these bars are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a midday treat, they’re sure to be a hit with lemon lovers everywhere!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- For the Lemon Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the crust and crumb topping.
- Add the softened butter and sugar to the dry ingredients. Mix until crumbly and well combined.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- While the crust is cooling, prepare the lemon filling. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth and pale.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour. Mix until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling to create the topping.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per bar | Servings: 12 servings
Why Lemon Crumb Bars Are Irresistible
Lemon Crumb Bars are one of those timeless desserts that never go out of style. Their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness makes them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a springtime gathering, need an easy dessert for a potluck, or just want something indulgent for yourself, these bars are a guaranteed win. They combine the richness of a buttery crumb crust with a bright, zesty lemon filling, resulting in a layered treat that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
The History of Lemon Bars
The concept of lemon bars has been around for decades, with the first recipes surfacing in American kitchens in the mid-20th century. They became especially popular in the 1960s when citrus fruits were widely available and home bakers started experimenting with their tangy flavors. Lemon Crumb Bars are a modern twist on the classic lemon bar, introducing a streusel-like crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
What Makes These Lemon Crumb Bars Special
- Perfect Texture Contrast: The foundation of these bars is a rich, buttery crust that’s both firm and tender. Topped with a smooth, velvety lemon filling and finished with a crumbly topping, these bars deliver a textural experience that’s second to none.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have bakery-quality bars at home.
- Ingredients You Probably Have on Hand: The recipe relies on pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, along with fresh lemons for that authentic citrus punch.
- Customizable: While lemon is the star, you can also experiment with other citrus flavors like lime or orange for a fun twist.
Health Benefits of Lemons
Lemons are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious. They’re packed with vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Lemons also contain flavonoids, which are compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. By incorporating fresh lemon juice and zest into these bars, you’re getting a dose of these health benefits while indulging in a sweet treat.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Crumb Bars
- Use Fresh Lemons: The flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice is unmatched. It provides the vibrant tanginess that bottled lemon juice just can’t replicate.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the bars to cool completely and then chilling them in the fridge enhances their texture and flavor, making them easier to cut and more refreshing to eat.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: Lemon zest adds a concentrated burst of citrus flavor, so be sure to include it in the filling for the best results.
- Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes removing the bars a breeze and ensures clean, sharp edges when slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Crumb Bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Classic: Enjoy them as they are, with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Elevated Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Elegant Presentation: Dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon slices for a bakery-style finish.
Occasions to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
These bars are perfect for almost any occasion:
- Family Gatherings: A sweet treat everyone will love.
- Spring and Summer Celebrations: Their bright, sunny flavor makes them ideal for warm-weather events like Easter, Mother’s Day, or picnics.
- Holidays: While they shine in spring and summer, their versatility means they’re also welcome on a holiday dessert table.
- Everyday Treats: Sometimes, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy something this good!
Storage and Freezing
One of the best things about Lemon Crumb Bars is that they store well. After baking, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re even freezer-friendly! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Why Choose This Recipe?
This Lemon Crumb Bar recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Unlike other lemon bar recipes that may rely on overly sweetened fillings, this version keeps the lemon flavor at the forefront. The addition of the crumb topping adds an extra layer of buttery goodness, making these bars feel luxurious without being overly complicated.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add Coconut: Mix shredded coconut into the crumb topping for a tropical twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to replace the eggs in the filling.
- Add Berries: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries over the filling before adding the crumb topping for a fruity addition.
Conclusion
Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the zingy brightness of lemon with the comforting richness of a buttery crust and crumb topping. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and even better to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try. Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your baking repertoire!
