Lemon Crumb Bars: A Refreshing Treat Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that bursts with zesty brightness and crumbly goodness, these Lemon Crumb Bars are exactly what you need. This Lemon Crumb Bars: A Refreshing Treat Recipe perfectly balances a buttery crust, tart lemon filling, and a golden crumb topping that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether for an afternoon snack, a potluck, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these bars deliver that fresh, vibrant lemon flavor combined with a satisfyingly crunchy texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemon Crumb Bars: A Refreshing Treat Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make this dessert shine.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the base and topping, giving structure and a delightful crumbly texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the tang of lemon.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps both the crust and filling rise just enough for a tender bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, tying the recipe together.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melted for richness and that buttery crumb everyone loves.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth to complement the bright lemon notes.
• 2 large eggs: Give structure and a smooth texture to the lemon filling.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the tartness.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling so it sets beautifully when baked.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the lemon layer rise lightly for a delicate texture.
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient, providing that punch of refreshing tartness.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For a pretty finishing dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and sparkle.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars: A Refreshing Treat Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy removal of the bars later. This simple step ensures that your bars come out neatly without sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients for the Crust

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation of that famously tender and crumbly crust that’s key to the recipe’s success.

Step 3: Add Butter and Vanilla

Mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mix, stirring until the mixture forms crumbs. This combination gives the crust and topping its decadent richness and subtle aroma.

Step 4: Press the Crust into the Pan

Reserve about half a cup of the crumb mixture for later topping. Press the rest firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. The even pressing helps your crust bake uniformly for the best texture.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Bake this crust for 15 minutes, or until it turns a lovely light golden color. This pre-baking step is crucial to prevent sogginess once the filling goes in.

Step 6: Whisk Eggs and Sugar for the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar until smooth. This creates a silky base for the tangy lemon filling.

Step 7: Mix in Dry Ingredients for the Filling

Stir the flour and baking powder into the egg and sugar mixture until fully combined. This will help your filling set to a nice, firm but tender consistency.

Step 8: Add Lemon Juice and Zest

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and zest, mixing until the filling is perfectly smooth and bursting with citrus flavor. This zest is key for that refreshing sharpness.

Step 9: Pour Filling Over the Crust

Carefully spread the tangy lemon filling over your pre-baked crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed to bake uniformly.

Step 10: Sprinkle Crumb Topping

Top the lemon layer evenly with the reserved crumb mixture. This crumbly crown will bake into a golden, slightly crunchy topping that’s irresistible.

Step 11: Bake Until Set

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the filling firm up for clean slicing.

Step 13: Slice and Dust

Use the parchment overhang to lift bars from the pan, then slice into squares and dust generously with powdered sugar. This final touch adds sweetness and a graceful look to your delightful bars.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars: A Refreshing Treat Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances these bars beautifully, but adding thin lemon slices or a few fresh mint leaves brings a pop of color and a fresh aroma that’s just inviting. Consider a light drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness too.

Side Dishes

Serve your Lemon Crumb Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a light citrus salad also complement the bars wonderfully, toning down their sweetness with natural freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, present these bars on a tiered dessert stand or arrange them neatly on a slate board for an elegant touch. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes them the perfect homemade gift or take-along treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Crumb Bars store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the filling’s firmness and the crust’s crumbly texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture retention.

Reheating

Reheat bars gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes if you want them a bit warm, perfect for enhancing that melty buttery crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice is best for its bright flavor and acidity, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s pure lemon juice with no added sugars or preservatives to keep the flavor authentic.

What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the crumbly texture, but you can experiment with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

Can I make these bars vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs and butter for structure and richness, so to make it vegan, you’d need to substitute with vegan butter and an egg replacer like flax eggs. This may require some tweaking to get the texture just right.

How long do these bars last at room temperature?

Because of the lemon filling, it’s best to keep these bars refrigerated and not leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and food safety.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or two 8×8-inch pans, adjusting the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on the color and firmness to avoid over- or under-baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the bright tang and buttery crumble of this Lemon Crumb Bars: A Refreshing Treat Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels both nostalgic and fresh, simple yet decadent. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—you’ll likely find these bars become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection, offering that perfect burst of lemony sunshine whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.

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