Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines a creamy, tangy lemon filling with a buttery brown sugar crust and a crumbly oat topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are simple to make and are sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious flavor and perfect texture. Enjoy them as a refreshing dessert at summer gatherings or as a sweet pick-me-up during the week.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Make the Crust & Topping
• Step 3: Form the Crust
• Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling
• Step 5: Assemble & Bake
• Step 6: Cool & Serve
• How to Serve Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
• Pair with Fresh Berries
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
• Enhance with Whipped Cream
• Dust with Powdered Sugar
• How to Perfect Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
• Reheating Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use bottled lemon juice for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars?
• How do I know when my lemon filling is set?
• Can I customize my Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars?
• What should I serve with these lemon crumb bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon and brown sugar creates a uniquely satisfying taste.
• Perfect Texture: The balance of creamy filling and crumbly topping makes for an irresistible bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for any event—picnics, potlucks, or just because!
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or foil
• Nonstick spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: The right size ensures even cooking and proper bar thickness.
• Mixing Bowls: Having different sizes helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate until combined.

Ingredients

For the Crust and 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

For the 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
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Spray the lined pan with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust & Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk for at least 1 minute until fully mixed. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Set aside about 3/4 cup of the mixture for topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust for about 10 minutes until slightly set.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While your crust bakes, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or yogurt), egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Once the crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over it gently to avoid disrupting the crust. Spread it evenly across the crust. Crumble the reserved dough over this filling. Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

After baking, let your pan cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift out your bars from the pan. Slice them into squares and enjoy your delicious Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars!

How to Serve Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how they can be served. Here are some creative serving ideas that will enhance your experience.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries: Serve the bars alongside a medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Berry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade berry sauce over the bars for an extra layer of flavor.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the tangy lemon filling perfectly.
• Lemon Sorbet: For an extra zing, try pairing with lemon sorbet for a citrus explosion.

Enhance with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for added creaminess.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Infuse whipped cream with lemon zest or vanilla extract to tie in the flavors.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

• Classic Finish: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and visual appeal to your bars.
• Citrus Zest Garnish: Sprinkle some lemon zest on top for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

Perfecting your Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars can elevate them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide a bright flavor that bottled varieties can’t match.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mix just until combined to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the bars to chill in the fridge overnight enhances their texture and makes slicing easier.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling before baking; you can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
• Uniform Crust Thickness: Ensure that your crust is evenly pressed into the pan for consistent baking results.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

While these bars shine on their own, they pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complement your dessert.

1. Minted Fruit Salad: A light salad made from seasonal fruits tossed with fresh mint provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
3. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons add texture and another layer of flavor that pairs well with lemon.
4. Pistachio Ice Cream: The nutty flavor of pistachio ice cream complements the tartness of lemon effectively.
5. Lemon Sorbet: For those who love citrus, serving lemon sorbet enhances the overall lemony experience.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta adds a creamy element that contrasts nicely with the crumb bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars can be easy, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat your oven. This helps achieve even baking and the right texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is melted and other ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Use proper measuring tools for both wet and dry ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined when making the crust and topping. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of tender ones.
• Cutting Too Soon: Allow your bars to cool completely before slicing. Cutting too early can result in messy, crumbly pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars?

Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I know when my lemon filling is set?

The filling should be slightly jiggly but not liquid when it’s finished baking. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I customize my Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars?

Absolutely! You can add blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist, or mix in coconut flakes for added texture.

What should I serve with these lemon crumb bars?

These bars pair beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their creamy filling and crumbly topping make them a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste!