🍋 Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
Looking for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, buttery, and refreshingly tangy? These Lemon Crumb Bars are just what you need. With a soft, buttery base, a zesty lemon filling, and a golden crumb topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion—spring picnics, afternoon tea, or just a sweet midweek indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Bars
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Bursting with fresh lemon flavor
Perfect texture – soft in the center with a delicate crumb on top
Great make-ahead dessert that stores beautifully
Let’s get into how to make these irresistible bars.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb Topping (same dough):
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 large egg yolks
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tsp lemon zest
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Add flour and salt to the butter mixture, and stir until a crumbly dough forms.
Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
Pour the lemon mixture over the prepared crust in the pan, spreading evenly.
Step 3: Add the Crumb Topping
Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the lemon filling. It doesn’t need to cover it completely – some filling peeking through adds a nice touch.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the center is set.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.
🍽 Tips for Success
