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Get The Product!Picture this: a buttery crust cradling a luscious lemon filling, topped with a delightful crumble that adds both texture and flavor. These Lemon Crumb Bars are not just a treat; they’re an experience that beckons you to take another bite. With every mouthful, the bright citrus notes mingle with the rich buttery taste, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to sunny afternoons.
These irresistible Lemon Crumb Bars are ideal for any occasion—be it a summer picnic, holiday gathering, or simply as an afternoon snack to brighten your day. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, while the delicious combination of textures keeps everyone coming back for more. Imagine serving these at your next brunch or potluck; they are bound to steal the spotlight. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with zesty delights.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crumb Bars
- Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can follow. You don’t need any special skills or equipment—just gather your ingredients and enjoy the process.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of tangy lemon filling and sweet crumb topping creates an exquisite balance that satisfies both sweet and sour cravings.
- Versatile Treat: Whether served at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert after dinner, these Lemon Crumb Bars fit perfectly into any occasion.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars keep well in the refrigerator and can be made ahead of time. This makes them an excellent choice for busy schedules.
Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the base and crumb topping; ensure it’s measured correctly for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to both the crust and the lemon filling; use fine sugar for even mixing.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps give the bars their light texture; make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavor; it balances sweetness in desserts like these bars.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter cut into cubes for an ideal crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings vibrant acidity; avoid bottled juice for best flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon flavor; zest from organic lemons is recommended to avoid pesticides.
- Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the filling together; use large eggs at room temperature.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 9×9 inches) with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly. Press two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until smooth. Pour this mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until set and lightly golden on top.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This cooling period allows them to firm up nicely.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to plates and serve chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for extra flair.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemons provide superior flavor compared to bottled juice; always opt for fresh when possible.
- Chill Before Serving: For cleaner cuts and better texture when serving, refrigerate your bars before slicing them up.
- Add Extra Zest: If you love intense lemon flavor, feel free to add more zest than called for—it enhances both aroma and taste.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: When making Lemon Crumb Bars, precise measurements are crucial. Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the texture and flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. A kitchen scale can also be a great tool for ensuring accuracy, especially for flour and sugar. Avoid guesstimating; it can lead to disappointing results.
- Overbaking the crust: The crust for Lemon Crumb Bars should be golden brown but not dark. Overbaking will result in a tough texture, ruining the delightful crumbly experience. Keep a close eye on your baking time, and start checking a few minutes before the suggested time. This way, you’ll achieve that perfect buttery crust that complements the tangy lemon filling.
- Skipping the chilling time: After baking your Lemon Crumb Bars, it’s tempting to dive right in. However, skipping the chilling step can lead to a messy cut and a less enjoyable eating experience. Allowing the bars to cool completely in the refrigerator helps them set properly, making them easier to slice and enhancing their flavor. Patience is key here; your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
To make delicious Lemon Crumb Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of one lemon
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful dessert that highlights the bright flavor of lemons.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Lemon Crumb Bars:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, and baking powder. Mix until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and set. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an added touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Crumb Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- A dollop of whipped cream: This addition enhances the citrus flavor and adds a creamy texture.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream complements the warm bars perfectly.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a beautiful contrast and additional freshness.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Crumb Bars?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a brighter and more vibrant flavor. The zest from fresh lemons also adds essential oils that enhance the overall taste of your Lemon Crumb Bars. If you are looking for authenticity in flavor, it’s best to stick with fresh lemons whenever possible.
How do I store Lemon Crumb Bars?
Store your Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them; they can stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Crumb Bars. Cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
If you’re looking for gluten-free options, almond flour or coconut flour work well as substitutes. However, be aware that these flours may alter the texture slightly compared to traditional all-purpose flour. Adjustments might be necessary when using alternative flours to achieve similar results.
Conclusion for Lemon Crumb Bars
Lemon Crumb Bars offer a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that make them irresistible. With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and fresh lemons, this recipe is both easy to follow and rewarding. Whether served as a refreshing dessert after dinner or enjoyed as a snack throughout the day, these bars are sure to please any palate. Don’t forget to try serving them with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy making this classic dessert that showcases the bright taste of lemons.
Lemon Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate dessert that harmoniously combines sweetness and tartness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. With a buttery, crumbly crust enveloping a zesty lemon filling, these bars are not only pleasing to the palate but also visually appealing. Perfect for summer picnics, brunches, or cozy gatherings, they can be served chilled or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Experience the refreshing taste of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour over the crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
