Pin The moment I pulled these lemon crumb bars from the oven, my entire apartment filled with the brightest, most sunshine filled aroma imaginable. I had been craving something citrusy for days, probably because it had been raining nonstop and I needed a literal ray of sunshine in my kitchen. My roommate wandered in, drawn by the scent, and asked if I had secretly been baking in a bakery all morning.
I first made these for a spring brunch last year when I needed something that felt festive but would not keep me trapped in the kitchen while guests arrived. Watching everyone's eyes light up when they took that first bite made me realize sometimes the simplest desserts bring the most joy to a gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour: The foundation of both the crust and crumb topping, providing structure and tenderness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and creates that perfect crumbly texture we love
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the crust a subtle lift so it is not too dense
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates the rich, buttery foundation that makes these bars irresistible
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the lemon filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the bright lemon flavor
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: The star of the show, providing that fresh tangy zing
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds aromatic citrus oils that make the lemon flavor sing
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour: Helps set the filling while keeping it tender
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the filling sets properly
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the citrus and balances the sweetness
- Powdered sugar: Optional, but adds a beautiful snowy finish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix the crumb base:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add the butter:
- Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until moist and crumbly throughout.
- Reserve topping and press crust:
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Par bake the crust:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk the filling base:
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup sugar until well combined.
- Add the lemon:
- Whisk in the lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the layers:
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
- Bake until set:
- Return to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and the topping is lightly browned.
- Chill completely:
- Cool in the pan for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 1 more hour before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Pin These lemon crumb bars have become my go to whenever I need to bring something to a potluck or gathering. There is something universally comforting about the combination of bright citrus and buttery crumble that makes people instantly feel at home.
Making Ahead and Storage
I love that these bars actually improve after a day in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together beautifully and the texture becomes even more satisfying. They will keep for up to a week in the fridge, though they rarely last that long in my house.
Serving Suggestions
While these are perfect on their own, I have found they pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of Moscato. The subtle floral notes in both beverages complement the bright lemon without competing with it.
Easy Variations
Do not be afraid to make this recipe your own. I have tried different citrus fruits with great success and love how versatile the basic formula is.
- Swap fresh lime juice and zest for lemon to create a totally different vibe
- Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling for an even firmer set
- Adjust the sugar up or down in the filling to suit your taste preferences
Pin Hope these lemon crumb bars bring as much sunshine to your kitchen as they have to mine.
Recipe Questions
- → How long can I store these lemon bars?
These delightful lemon bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining their fresh taste and texture.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of the filling?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar in the lemon filling to suit your preference.
- → What can I do for a firmer lemon filling?
For a noticeably firmer filling, we recommend adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the lemon mixture during preparation. This helps achieve a more stable set.
- → What are some good pairings for these bars?
These bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat or with a chilled glass of Moscato for a more sophisticated dessert experience.
- → Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?
Yes, for a fun variation, you can easily substitute lime for lemon in the filling. This will give the bars a distinct, zesty twist.
- → Why is chilling the bars important?
Chilling is crucial for allowing the lemon filling to fully set and firm up, making the bars easier to slice cleanly. It also helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.