Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines zesty lemon flavor with a buttery crumb topping. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more with its perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re in the kitchen, whisking up these Lemon Crumb Bars. You can almost hear the laughter of friends and family as they gather around, eagerly waiting for that first taste. This recipe is perfect for brightening up any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Crumb Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
- The flavor profile is irresistibly bright and refreshing, perfect for lemon lovers.
- Visually, the bars are stunning with their golden crumb topping contrasting against the vibrant lemon filling.
- They are also versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack or dessert after dinner.
Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the crust and crumb topping; sift it well to avoid lumps.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and balances the tangy lemon flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky crust; cut it into small cubes for easier mixing.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it provides that vibrant citrus zing that makes these bars shine.
Lemon Zest: Adds an extra punch of flavor and aroma; make sure to zest only the yellow part of the peel.
Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding moisture; large eggs work best in this recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. While that’s baking, let’s whip up our lemon filling!
Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling
In another bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and sugar until well combined. Pour this luscious mixture over your baked crust once it has cooled slightly.
Step 5: Top It Off
Sprinkle any remaining crumb mixture on top of the lemon filling. This step adds that heavenly crunchy top layer we all love!
Step 6: Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set. The edges should be golden brown but remember—don’t overbake!
Transfer to plates and let cool before cutting into squares. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes them look extra fancy!
With every bite of these Lemon Crumb Bars, you’ll experience sunshine on a plate—a sweet reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed one crumb at a time!
You Must Know
- Lemon crumb bars are not just a treat; they’re a burst of sunshine!
- With their zesty flavor and buttery crust, they make any gathering feel like a beach party.
- Easy to whip up, these bars are perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, prepare your crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into your baking pan. Next, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and sugar for the filling before pouring it over the crust.
Add Your Touch
Feeling adventurous? Swap out regular lemons for Meyer lemons for a sweeter twist. Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a delightful contrast to the sweetness. If you want an extra crunch, toss in some finely chopped nuts into the crust mixture.
Storing & Reheating
Once cooled, store your lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh lemons; bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it when making these tart treats.
- Make sure your butter is completely melted to ensure even mixing of the crust ingredients.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.
Sharing a batch of lemon crumb bars at last summer’s picnic had everyone raving! One friend even declared them her new favorite dessert—right after chocolate cake, of course!
FAQs :
What are Lemon Crumb Bars?
Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert consisting of a zesty lemon filling atop a buttery crumb crust. The base and topping are typically made from flour, sugar, butter, and oats, providing a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the tangy lemon flavor. These bars are easy to prepare and make a refreshing treat for any occasion. They’re especially popular in spring and summer due to their bright flavor. Lemon Crumb Bars can be served at parties, picnics, or simply enjoyed as a sweet snack at home.
How do you store Lemon Crumb Bars?
To keep your Lemon Crumb Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Proper storage ensures that the bars retain their delicious flavor and texture.
Can I use other fruits for crumb bars?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on Lemon Crumb Bars, you can easily substitute lemons with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a different flavor profile. Each fruit will impart its unique taste and sweetness to the filling. Ensure that you adjust the sugar level according to the tartness of the fruit used. Experimenting with various fruits allows you to create your own signature crumb bars that suit your palate while maintaining the same crumbly texture.
How do I make my Lemon Crumb Bars more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Lemon Crumb Bars, consider adding ingredients like lemon zest or vanilla extract into the filling for added depth. You could also incorporate spices like ginger or cardamom into the crumb mixture for an exciting twist. Drizzling a simple glaze over the top once baked can elevate their presentation and taste. These small adjustments can transform your dessert from ordinary to extraordinary while keeping those beloved lemon flavors intact.
Conclusion for Lemon Crumb Bars :
In summary, Lemon Crumb Bars offer a delightful blend of tangy lemon filling with a buttery crumb crust that is hard to resist. They are easy to make and perfect for various occasions. Remember to store them properly to maintain their freshness and quality. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavor additions to personalize your crumb bars. Enjoy these refreshing treats as they brighten up any dessert table!
Lemon Crumb Bars
Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful fusion of sweet and tart that brings sunshine to any occasion. This easy-to-make dessert features a buttery crumb topping paired with a zesty lemon filling, creating the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family get-togethers, these bars are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat year-round.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk together lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs in another bowl. Pour over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Keywords: - Use fresh lemons for maximum flavor. - For added texture, consider incorporating finely chopped nuts into the crust. - Chill bars before serving for extra freshness.
