Save Brighten your dessert spread with these Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars. A tender lemon filling bursts with citrus zing beneath golden, buttery crumbs that crumble with every bite. These bars offer a delightful balance of tangy sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them an instant favorite for any citrus lover.
Save With a quick preparation time of just 15 minutes, these bars are as simple to make as they are delicious. The combination of a pre-baked crust and a smooth lemon filling ensures a perfect bake every time, resulting in a refreshing treat that is ideal for afternoon tea or a summer gathering.
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Lemon Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Step 3
- Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture is moist and crumbly.
- Step 4
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Step 5
- Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Step 6
- While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup sugar until well combined.
- Step 7
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the filling is smooth and lump-free.
- Step 8
- Remove the crust from the oven. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Step 9
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
- Step 10
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is lightly browned.
- Step 11
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 additional hour before slicing into bars.
- Step 12
- Once chilled, slice into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a firmer lemon filling that holds its shape perfectly when sliced, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the lemon mixture. Ensure you allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for the full recommended time to make slicing easier and cleaner.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adjust the sweetness of these bars by increasing or decreasing the sugar in the filling to match your taste. For a different citrus twist, substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime for equally delicious lime crumb bars.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bars chilled with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or a chilled glass of Moscato for a sophisticated dessert experience.
Save Enjoy the zesty and buttery goodness of these Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars. Whether served as a light snack or a final course at a dinner party, their vibrant flavor and crumbly texture are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long can these bars be stored?
These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of the lemon filling?
Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness. Simply increase or decrease the amount of granulated sugar in the lemon filling to suit your personal taste preference.
- → What can I do to ensure a firmer lemon filling?
For a firmer filling, consider adding one tablespoon of cornstarch to the lemon mixture along with the other ingredients before whisking. This will help thicken it during the baking process.
- → Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
Absolutely! For a fun twist, you can substitute fresh lime juice and zest for the lemon to create delicious lime crumb bars. You could also experiment with other citrus fruits.
- → Why is chilling the bars important before serving?
Chilling is crucial because it allows the lemon filling to fully set and firm up, making the bars much easier to slice neatly. It also significantly enhances their refreshing taste and texture.