Bright, tangy, and irresistibly crumbly, this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy in a dessert. With a buttery oat crust and a luscious lemon filling topped with golden crumbs, these bars deliver a delightful texture and flavor combo that will have you reaching for seconds—and thirds! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a burst of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a unique role to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your lemon crumb bars. From the wholesome oats providing a lovely crunch to the bright lemon juice that gives this dessert its zing, every item contributes to a homemade delight you’ll savor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base and crumbly topping that holds everything together with a tender bite.
- Old-fashioned oats: Add a hearty texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the crust and crumbs.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness and tartness pop.
- Baking soda: Lightens the crumb texture for a soft, pleasant crunch.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture, helping the crust and crumbs bind perfectly.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Adds a warm sweetness and subtle caramel notes to balance the lemon’s tartness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor, adding a comforting aroma beneath the lemon zest.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides creaminess and a luscious filling texture that’s decadently smooth.
- Sour cream (or plain yogurt): Gives a slight tang that complements the lemon and adds moisture to the filling.
- Large egg yolk: Helps set the filling and creates a rich, creamy consistency.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Delivers that unmistakable fresh, bright citrus flavor that defines these bars.
- Finely grated lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with natural oils bursting in every bite.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This lining ensures your lemon crumb bars will lift out easily after baking, keeping their perfect shape and crumbly texture intact.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, salt, and baking soda. This will be the dry foundation for your crust and crumb topping, providing the right texture and structure to support the luscious lemon filling.
Step 3: Combine Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, stir melted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and creamy. This mixture is where the magic starts—its richness and subtle sweetness will impart a beautiful flavor and bind your base together.
Step 4: Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together
Mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar blend, but don’t use all of it just yet! Reserve about ¾ cup of this crumb mixture. Press the rest firmly into your prepared pan for the crust. Bake this base for about 10 minutes until it’s set and lightly golden—this pre-baking helps it hold up beautifully under the lemon layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and a touch more vanilla until smooth and creamy. This creamy filling is the star of the show—fragrant, tangy, and silky-smooth, it perfectly balances the crumbly base and topping.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour your bright lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Next, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top to create that signature crumbly finish. Bake it all together for another 17 to 20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden shade and the filling is set but still jiggly in the middle.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Patience is key here. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into generous squares. This cooling time allows the filling to firm up and the crumbs to crisp delightfully, making every bite perfectly textured and balanced.
How to Serve Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your lemon crumb bars, consider finishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices on top. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers add a charming touch that’s visually stunning and adds subtle freshness to your presentation.
Side Dishes
These bars shine brightest on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is always a winning choice. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee also pairs wonderfully, balancing the tartness and sweetness with a warm, comforting beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these lemon crumb bars in cute mason jars with whipped cream for a charming dessert parfait, or serve them as petite bites on a dessert platter alongside other citrus treats for a festive occasion. Their bright color and crumbly texture also make them ideal for gifting wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your lemon crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated to extend their life up to a week without losing that crumbly texture and tangy flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your lemon crumb bars slightly warm, gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crumb topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest deliver the brightest and most natural flavor, truly making these bars zing with freshness. Bottled juice can work in a pinch but won’t have quite the same vibrant taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This swap keeps the bars tender and crumbly without compromising flavor.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Plain yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It adds the same tang and moisture, helping to keep the filling creamy and smooth.
How do I prevent the crumbs from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust before adding the lemon filling is crucial to avoid sogginess. Also, sprinkling the reserved crumb mixture on top ensures a golden, crispy topping after baking. Letting the bars cool fully before slicing helps maintain this texture as well.
Can these bars be made vegan?
With some adjustments, yes! Use dairy-free butter, a plant-based condensed milk alternative, and a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but the lemony brightness will still be fantastic.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to give this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe a try—you’re in for a real treat! It’s a wonderful balance of tangy, sweet, and crumbly that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as your own little sunshine dessert. Once you make these bars, they’re bound to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire, delivering joy with every bite.
Print
Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful blend of zesty lemon filling and a buttery oat crumb crust. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars offer a tangy and sweet treat ideal for dessert or a special snack.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until thick and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top of the filling.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain yogurt if preferred.
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
