Lemon Crumb Bars

Um, wow, I just found these Lemon Crumb Bars. They are bright and tasty. I must tell you all about them. I love how the lemon pops in my mouth. The crumb top is sweet and crunchy. It makes me smile. I feel so happy when I bake them. They smell fresh and yummy. I want you to try them right now. Let’s do it together. Grab some lemons and butter. Let’s bake Lemon Crumb Bars today.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s take a deeper look at why these lemon crumb bars deserve a spot in your dessert rotation:

• Bright, Fresh Lemon Flavor: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give these bars their signature tang. The flavor is lively but well-balanced, never too sour or sharp. It’s the kind of citrus dessert that feels refreshing, not overpowering.
• Creamy, Custard-Like Filling: The filling is made with sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and cream, creating a rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly crust. It slices cleanly but stays soft and luscious when you bite into it.
• Perfectly Buttery Crumb Layers: The crumb mixture is pressed down to form a sturdy base and then sprinkled on top for a rustic, golden topping. It adds just enough sweetness and texture without being heavy or dense.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy flours, specialty sugars, or hard-to-find citrus. Just basic baking staples and fresh lemons.
• Make-Ahead Friendly and Portable: These bars keep well in the fridge and pack easily for events. They also slice neatly, making them great for sharing, gifting, or storing for later.
• Flexible Serving Options: You can serve these bars chilled for a firmer texture or closer to room temperature for a softer bite — both ways are delicious.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Before we dive into the ingredients and steps, here are some key points to keep in mind for success:

1. Fresh Lemons Are a Must
Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same fresh, vibrant flavor that real lemons do. Since lemon is the star here, it’s worth using fresh lemons and grating your own zest.

2. Proper Measuring Makes a Difference
For the flour, make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag — this prevents you from accidentally adding too much and making the crust dry.

3. Don’t Skip the Cooling Step
After baking, the filling needs time to set. Letting the bars cool completely — and ideally chilling them for a bit — helps them firm up and makes them easier to slice cleanly.

4. Use Room Temperature Yolks and Cream
Bringing your egg yolks and cream to room temperature before mixing ensures the filling comes together smoothly without clumps.

5. Prep Ahead for Busy Days
You can prepare these bars the day before serving. The flavors even deepen as they sit, so they’re great for make-ahead desserts.

Prep Time & Bake Time

• Prep Time: About 20 minutes to mix and assemble everything.
• Bake Time: 35 minutes, or until the crumb topping is lightly golden and the filling is set around the edges (slightly jiggly in the center is okay — it will firm up as it cools).
• Total Time: About 1 hour, including prep, baking, and a short cooling period (though longer chilling is recommended for clean slices).

Servings

• Yield: This recipe makes about 16 small bars (cut into a 4×4 grid in a square pan), but you can cut them larger if serving fewer people.
• Great for sharing at gatherings or keeping in the fridge for a week of desserts.

Difficulty Level

• Easy: You don’t need special skills or advanced techniques. If you can stir and press dough into a pan, you’ve got this recipe covered.
• Beginner-friendly, but also satisfying for seasoned bakers who want something quick and impressive.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make the process smooth:

• 2 Mixing Bowls: One for the crumb mixture and one for the lemon filling.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (Optional but Helpful): You can whisk the filling by hand, but a mixer ensures it’s extra smooth and creamy.
• 9×9-inch Square Baking Pan: This size gives the perfect thickness for both crust and filling.
• Citrus Juicer: To extract all the juice without seeds.
• Microplane or Zester: For finely grating lemon zest — this adds essential flavor to the filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate amounts, especially for flour and liquids.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To mix and press the crumb mixture.
• Offset Spatula or Back of a Spoon: To smooth out the lemon filling evenly before adding the top crumbs.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting clean, even squares once the bars are set.

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars (In-Depth)

For the Crust and Crumb Topping

These ingredients form both the buttery base and the golden crumbly top:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour — Regular all-purpose flour gives structure to the crust and topping.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar — Provides sweetness and helps crisp up the crust.
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar — Adds a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder — Gives the crumb mixture a slight lift, making the topping tender instead of dense.
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled — Butter holds the crumbs together and gives a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use unsalted to control the salt level.

For the Lemon Filling

This is where all the creamy, tangy magic happens:

• 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk — Sweet and thick, it creates the custard-like filling without needing extra sugar.
• 3 large egg yolks, room temperature — Yolks give richness and help set the filling when baked.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, room temperature — Adds smoothness and a bit of extra body to the filling.
• Pinch of salt — Enhances the lemon flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice — The heart of the filling; use freshly squeezed for best results.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest — Finely grated, this adds a strong lemon aroma and depth of flavor.

Variations for Lemon Crumb Bars

While this recipe is lovely as written, here are some thoughtful ways you can adjust it based on what you have on hand or how you want to enjoy them:

1. Add Coconut for a Tropical Twist

Mix 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut into the crumb mixture for extra texture and a subtle tropical note. The coconut toasts slightly while baking, giving a lovely added flavor.

2. Make It a Berry-Lemon Bar

Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries over the crust before pouring in the lemon filling. The berries will bake into the filling, giving sweet-tart pops of flavor. Stick to about 1/2 cup of berries to avoid too much moisture.

3. Switch Citrus — Lime or Orange

If you want to play with the flavor, swap lemon for lime or even orange. Lime will give a sharper, more intense citrus punch, while orange makes for a sweeter, milder bar. Just substitute juice and zest in equal amounts.

4. Add Almonds for Crunch

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top crumb layer before baking for added crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Mixture (Crust and Topping)

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Make sure the brown sugar is broken up and mixed evenly.
2. Add the Butter:
   Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until everything is evenly moistened and crumbly — it should look like damp sand and hold together when squeezed between your fingers.
3. Divide the Mixture:
   Scoop out about 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside. You’ll use this for the topping.
4. Press the Crust:
   Take the remaining crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat glass to help smooth and compact it.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients:
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix Until Smooth:
   Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer on low speed if you prefer, but a regular whisk works fine as long as everything is well combined with no lumps.
3. Taste for Balance (Optional):
   If you like, give a quick taste to check the lemon intensity. If you prefer a sharper lemon flavor, you can add a bit more zest — up to another teaspoon.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the Lemon Filling:
   Carefully pour the lemon filling over the pressed crust. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all the edges and corners.
2. Add the Crumb Topping:
   Take the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the lemon filling. It’s okay if some pieces are larger — that’s part of the charm of a crumb topping.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Bake:
   Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C). Bake for about 33-35 minutes, or until the top crumb layer is lightly golden brown and the edges of the filling look set (the center might jiggle slightly — that’s okay).
2. Cool Completely:
   Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This could take about 1 hour. If you want cleaner cuts, refrigerate for an additional hour to fully set the filling.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Lift and Slice:
   If you’ve lined the pan with parchment, lift the whole block out and place it on a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares for small servings or 9 squares for larger portions. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
2. Serve:
   Enjoy these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee, or as part of a dessert spread for brunches and parties.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are versatile and elegant, making them perfect for many occasions. Here are some thoughtful ways to serve them:

1. Serve Chilled for a Clean Slice

For the neatest slices and a firm texture, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour after cooling. Serve them cold for a refreshing bite that’s perfect on a warm day.

2. Room Temperature for a Softer Bite

If you prefer a softer filling that melts in your mouth, let the bars sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. The flavors become more pronounced this way.

3. With Fresh Berries

Pair the bars with a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries on the side for an extra pop of color and flavor. The tartness of the berries complements the lemon beautifully.

4. Light Dusting of Powdered Sugar (Optional)

For a simple decorative touch, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. This is entirely optional but adds a polished finish.

5. As Part of a Dessert Platter

Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them as part of a dessert assortment, alongside cookies, chocolate bites, or fruit tarts for a pretty and varied presentation.

Storing Lemon Crumb Bars

Proper storage helps maintain the texture and flavor of these bars. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigeration

• Storage Method: Place the bars in an airtight container, layering parchment or wax paper between them if stacking.
• Shelf Life: They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without losing quality.

Freezing

• Can You Freeze Them? Yes, these bars freeze well.
• How to Freeze: Wrap individual bars or the whole slab (uncut) tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Storage Time: They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To Serve: Thaw in the fridge overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

Because these bars need time to cool and set, they’re an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can easily prepare them the day before a party or gathering, and they’ll be ready to slice and serve.

Nutrition Information

Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for one bar, assuming 16 bars total from the recipe.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 bar)
Calories	245
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	105mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	18g
Protein	4g
Vitamin C	6% Daily Value
Calcium	8% Daily Value
Iron	6% Daily Value

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Lemon Crumb Bars FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

For the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat or overly acidic and won’t give the same bright, fresh flavor that makes these bars special. If you’re in a pinch, bottled can work, but expect a less vibrant result.

2. What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemons. Avoid grating too deep into the white pith, as it’s bitter and can affect the flavor. You want just the thin, yellow layer for the most fragrant zest.

3. Why is my crust crumbly and not holding together?

If the crumb mixture feels too dry to press into the pan, it may be because of packing too much flour into your measuring cup. Spoon and level the flour when measuring. Also, make sure to fully incorporate the melted butter — every crumb should be moistened.

4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The crumb topping should be lightly golden, and the edges of the filling should look set. The center may still jiggle slightly when you move the pan — that’s okay and will firm up as it cools.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! If you want to make a larger batch, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time — start checking at around 38-40 minutes for doneness.

6. How should I cut these bars neatly?

For clean slices:

• Chill the bars well before cutting.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts.
• If needed, dip the knife in warm water and dry it before each slice for extra smooth edges.

Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars are a wonderful way to bring a bright and refreshing dessert to your table, without a complicated baking process. The buttery crumb layers, paired with a smooth and tangy lemon filling, offer just the right balance of textures and flavors.

What I love most about this recipe is how approachable and versatile it is — simple enough for a weekday treat, yet special enough for sharing at gatherings or adding to a dessert platter.

If you enjoy desserts with citrus and creaminess, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Try them chilled for a firmer bite or at room temperature for a softer texture, and feel free to get creative with some of the variations suggested.

If you make these Lemon Crumb Bars, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Feel free to leave a comment, share a tip, or let me know if you tried any of the variations.

Happy baking!