Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that bring a burst of sunshine to any day, especially during those long Midwest winters. These bars are a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and a buttery, crumbly topping. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed a quick dessert for a family gathering. The simplicity and deliciousness of these bars made them an instant hit, and they’ve been a staple in my dessert rotation ever since. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for a refreshing dessert, these bars are sure to please.
Lemon Crumb Bars are incredibly versatile and can be served as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more sophisticated touch, serve them alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled white wine. If you’re hosting a brunch, these bars can be a lovely addition to a spread of fresh fruit and yogurt.
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Lemon Crumb Bars
Servings: 12
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Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and baking powder.
Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the sugar mixture, whisking until smooth.
Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Variations & Tips
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the lemon filling for a subtle flavor enhancement. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the crumb topping before baking.