Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, crumbly layers and a bright, tangy lemon filling. They’re a delightful treat that’s great for summer picnics, potlucks, or simply satisfying a citrus craving. These bars have a crunchy crumb topping and a rich, lemony center, making them an irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumb Topping

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla extract together. Add it to the crumb mixture, stirring until the dough just starts to come together.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

1. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Lemon Crumb Bars

1. Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, making sure to cover it evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Lemon Crumb Bars

1. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden and the lemon filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before slicing into squares or rectangles.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Cook Notes

• Cold Butter: Using cold butter helps create a crumbly texture in the crust and topping, so be sure to keep it chilled until ready to use.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. The lemon zest also adds a lot of brightness to the filling.

Variations

Blueberry Lemon Crumb Bars

Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the lemon filling for a fruity twist on the classic lemon bars.

Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars

Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the lemon filling for a creamier texture. Beat the cream cheese with the eggs and sugar before adding the lemon juice and zest.

Lemon Raspberry Crumb Bars

Scatter 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries over the lemon filling before adding the crumb topping for a burst of color and extra tartness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, lemon crumb bars can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

How do I store leftover lemon crumb bars?

Store leftover lemon crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste may not be as bright and fresh.

Can I use a different citrus fruit?

Yes! You can easily swap the lemons for limes, oranges, or even grapefruit to create a different flavor profile.

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for lemon lovers, offering a balance of tangy lemon filling and a buttery, crumbly topping. With their bright flavor and irresistible texture, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet treat for your family. Easy to make and full of fresh citrus goodness, these bars are a must-try!