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Lemon Crumb Bars: A Zesty Treat That’s Impossible to Resist!

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both tangy and sweet with a little bit of crunch, look no further.

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a game-changer, with a creamy, citrusy lemon filling sandwiched between a buttery, oat crust that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Perfect for a quick treat or a crowd-pleaser, they’re everything you want in a dessert – easy to make, full of flavor, and totally irresistible.

Get ready to fall in love with these bars!

For the Oat Crust: 

• Quick-Cooking Oats – Adds a hearty texture to the crust.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the oat mixture together for the crust.
• Light Brown Sugar – Gives the crust a rich sweetness with a hint of molasses.
• Baking Soda – Helps the crust rise slightly and become airy.
• Baking Powder – Provides additional leavening for the crust.
• Unsalted Butter (melted) – Binds the mixture and adds richness to the crust.

For the Lemon Filling:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Creates the creamy base for the filling, making it rich and sweet.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Provides the tartness and fresh citrus flavor to the filling.
• Egg Yolks – Helps thicken the lemon mixture and adds a smooth texture.
• Lemon Zest – Adds an extra punch of lemon flavor and fragrance.
• Kosher Salt – Balances out the sweetness of the condensed milk and enhances all the flavors.

Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a delicious treat with a zesty lemon filling nestled between two layers of oat crust. A perfect balance of sweet and tart, they make an irresistible dessert!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Lemon Crumb Bars

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Chilling Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 9 bars

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Ingredients

For the Oat Crust:

• 1 cup (80g) quick-cooking oats
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (115g) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

 

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Make the Oat Crust:
   In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Reserve the Crust Mixture:
   Take about half of the oat mixture (roughly 2 cups) and set it aside for the topping.
4. Prepare the Bottom Layer:
   Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the lemon filling.
5. Make the Lemon Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, egg yolks, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Bars:
   Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled oat crust. Evenly sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the lemon filling.
7. Bake:
   Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

 

Nutrition
Calories: 495 kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 21.1g | Fiber: 1.6g

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1. Can I use a different type of oats for the crust?
   Yes, you can! If you don’t have quick-cooking oats, you can use rolled oats. Just note that rolled oats might create a slightly thicker crust, but it will still work wonderfully.
2. Can I skip the chilling time?
   While the chilling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice, you can skip it if you’re in a hurry. Just allow them to cool down completely before serving for the best texture.
3. What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
   No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice will give the bars a much brighter flavor. If using bottled, use the same amount as you would fresh juice.
4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These bars keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just store them in an airtight container and let them thaw before serving.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This will ensure the bars maintain their texture while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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