Treat yourself to the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with these Lemon Crumb Bars. Featuring a creamy lemon filling nestled between layers of buttery oatmeal crumble, these bars are as delightful as they are versatile. Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemons, oats, and sweetened condensed milk, they’re ideal for any occasion—from sunny picnics to cozy gatherings.
Lemon Crumb Bars were born out of a love for citrusy desserts and the challenge of turning pantry staples into something extraordinary. The recipe began on a lazy afternoon, inspired by a surplus of fresh lemons. After a few trials and taste tests, this tangy, buttery treat quickly became a household favorite, bringing joy to everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Crumb Bars
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: The brightness of fresh lemons harmonizes with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and the rich warmth of brown sugar.
- Texture Heaven: With a crumbly oat base and a creamy lemon filling, every bite is a satisfying mix of crunch and smoothness.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry items come together to create an extraordinary dessert.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for all occasions, whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or baking up holiday cheer.
Ingredients Notes
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the base and topping without overshadowing the lemon flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Lends a subtle caramelized sweetness that complements the lemon.
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the bars their hearty crumb texture.
- Lemons: The zest and juice are the stars, providing a fresh, citrusy brightness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a silky filling that balances the tartness of the lemon.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for everyone.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
- Add Nuts: Stir in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Berry Layer: Add a thin layer of raspberry or blueberry preserves between the base and filling for a fruity twist.
Bring a Little Sunshine to Your Table
Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of vibrant flavor and comforting texture. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat, these bars are guaranteed to brighten any moment. Happy baking!
Lemon Crumb Bars
Delight in these Lemon Crumb Bars, a perfect blend of tangy lemon filling nestled between buttery oatmeal crumb layers. With fresh lemons and sweetened condensed milk, these bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crumb Mixture:
- 8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 large or 3 medium lemons zest and juice
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with two overlapping sheets of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter
- Cut the butter into pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the butter in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until fully melted. (You can also melt the butter on the stovetop.)
- Make the Crumb Mixture
- To the melted butter, stir in the brown sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Add the oats and flour, mixing with a spatula until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping and set aside.
- Form the Base Layer
- Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling
- Finely zest the lemons to yield about 2 tablespoons of zest. Juice the lemons to make 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- In the same bowl used for the crumb mixture, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly browned.
- Cool and Slice
- Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours. For a firmer texture, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes after cooling.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Slice into 12 equal pieces and serve.
