Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a zesty lemon filling, this treat is an ideal way to refresh your dessert menu.

Each bite combines the comforting crumble of a buttery base with a smooth, citrusy layer that melts on the tongue. These bars are great for picnics, potlucks, or any time you crave a burst of lemony delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. Prepare to wow your friends and family with these delightful lemon treats!

Lemon Crumb Bars Ingredients: A Key to Tangy Perfection

All-Purpose Flour
The sturdy backbone of the crust, giving the base its structure while providing a subtle, delicate flavor that lets the lemon shine.

Unsalted Butter
Melted and blended into the crumb mixture, it lends a rich, buttery essence that melts into the crust, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Fresh Lemon Juice
The star of the filling, offering a bright, vibrant citrus tang that balances the sweetness and creates the perfect zing.

Sweetened Condensed Milk
A creamy partner to the lemon juice, adding a luscious sweetness that transforms the filling into a silky, smooth delight.

Egg Yolks
The secret to a rich, velvety filling, working as a thickener to ensure a custard-like texture with every bite.

Lemon Crumb Bars: Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ

Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Lemon Juice for Maximum Flavor
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving the perfect tartness in these Lemon Crumb Bars. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant citrus notes that fresh lemons provide, so it’s worth the extra effort. To make juicing easier, roll the lemons on the countertop before cutting them in half—this helps release more juice. If you want an extra burst of citrus, you can also add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for enhanced depth and aroma.
Chill Before Cutting for Clean Slices
Patience is a virtue when it comes to getting those perfectly sliced bars. Allowing the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating ensures that the filling sets properly. After chilling for at least 4 hours, use a sharp knife to cut the bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for cleaner, more precise slices. This step helps prevent the filling from sticking to the blade, giving you those picture-perfect layers of crumbly crust and smooth lemon filling.
Adjust the Crust-to-Filling Ratio
If you prefer a thicker crust or want a thinner layer of lemon filling, you can easily adjust the ratio. Use a bit more of the crust mixture at the bottom layer before baking, and slightly reduce the amount of the crumb topping. Conversely, if you’re a fan of that tangy lemon layer, reserve more of the crust mixture for the topping and keep the base thinner. This flexibility lets you customize the bars to your taste without altering the fundamental flavors.

What to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Pairing these lemon bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast between the tangy, citrusy filling and the smooth, sweet ice cream. The cool, creamy texture complements the bars’ crumbly crust, making each bite a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Fresh Berries
Serve a small bowl of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries alongside the lemon bars. The natural sweetness of the berries enhances the citrusy notes of the dessert while adding a burst of color to your presentation. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate your dessert plate.
Iced Tea or Lemonade
A chilled glass of iced tea or classic lemonade is the perfect drink pairing for these bars. The citrusy notes in the drink will harmonize with the lemon filling, creating a cohesive flavor experience. For a more sophisticated twist, try a lavender-infused lemonade, which brings a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

FAQ

Can I use a different citrus juice for the filling?
Absolutely! While lemon is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the sugar levels if needed, as these fruits vary in sweetness.
How should I store leftover Lemon Crumb Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars—just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Why is my crust not holding together?
If your crust is too crumbly, it could be due to insufficient butter or overmixing. Ensure that the melted butter is evenly distributed throughout the crumb mixture. When pressing it into the pan, use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press down firmly and evenly.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but be sure to omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty results. Salted butter can add a little extra depth to the crust, balancing the sweet and tart flavors.

Lemon Crumb Bars

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 4 47

Course cake

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

12 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Lemon Filling:
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks at room temperature
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice approximately 4-5 lemons

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the lined baking pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
While the base is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Gradually add in the fresh lemon juice, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy mixture.
Once the base is out of the oven, pour the prepared lemon filling over the hot crust. Evenly sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the lemon filling.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling has set.

Notes

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.

Keyword Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars recipe

Lemon Crumb Bars Ingredients: A Key to Tangy Perfection