Lemon Crumb Bars: Tangy, Sweet, and Irresistibly Crunchy

There’s something about the combination of tangy lemon, buttery crust, and a delicate crumb topping that makes Lemon Crumb Bars a standout dessert. These bars are perfect for brightening up a brunch, adding a fresh note to your dessert table, or enjoying as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. With their crisp oat crust and smooth, luscious lemon filling, these bars balance sweet and tart beautifully.

The genius of this recipe is how it combines simple pantry ingredients to create a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery. The oat and flour crumble adds texture and depth, while the sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice create a creamy, tart filling that sets perfectly in the fridge. This dessert is approachable for home bakers of any skill level, and it’s flexible enough to customize with chocolate, coconut, or extra zest for added flair.

Whether you’re making a batch for a family gathering, potluck, or just to satisfy a lemon craving, these bars are sure to impress. In this guide, we’ll break down the recipe step by step, share pro tips, and provide ideas for delicious variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Refreshing Flavor: The fresh lemon juice and zest deliver a tangy, vibrant flavor.
• Crunchy & Buttery Crust: A mix of oats, flour, and butter creates a textured base that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
• Easy to Make: Uses simple pantry staples with no complicated techniques.
• Perfectly Portable: Great for picnics, lunchboxes, or gifting.
• Customizable: Add white chocolate, coconut, or extra zest for your personal twist.
• Visually Stunning: A golden crumb topping over a creamy yellow lemon filling looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 servings and features three main components: the oat crumble crust, lemon filling, and optional topping.

Crumb Base & Topping

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Filling

• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks

Optional Topping

• 2–3 ounces white chocolate, melted (for dipping the bars)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Zester or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for optional chocolate)
• Refrigerator or freezer for chilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan using baking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Make the Crumb Base

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups flour, 1 ¼ cups rolled oats, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking soda.
2. Stir in ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed light brown sugar.
3. Mix ¾ cup melted butter with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and add to the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined.

3. Press & Bake the Base

Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms a dense, sturdy crust. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Prepare Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks
  Whisk until smooth and fully combined. The fresh lemon juice gives the filling a vibrant, tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet crust.

5. Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is lightly baked, pour the lemon filling evenly over it. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top to create a golden, textured topping.

6. Bake & Cool

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until firm for easier slicing.

7. Optional Chocolate Finish

For an extra indulgent touch, melt white chocolate and dip the bottom half of the cooled bars. Place on wax paper and refrigerate until set.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Zesty Flavor: Add 1–2 teaspoons more lemon zest to the filling for a stronger citrus flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the lemon filling before adding the crumb topping.
• Coconut Crunch: Mix ¼ cup shredded coconut into the crumble for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Serving Tip: Chill the bars thoroughly or freeze briefly before cutting to prevent the filling from oozing.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Bright, tangy lemon balanced by a sweet and buttery crumb.
• Texture: Crunchy oat base, creamy lemon center, crisp crumb topping.
• Pairings: Delicious with tea, coffee, or sparkling water. Also pairs well with fresh berries or lightly whipped cream.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate values per serving (1 bar, 1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 4 g

Dietary notes: Vegetarian-friendly; gluten-free option possible.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake bars a day in advance and refrigerate to allow the lemon filling to fully set.
• For clean slices, chill the bars thoroughly or freeze briefly before cutting.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars without oats?
   Yes, replace oats with an equal amount of extra flour for a finer texture.
2. Why is my filling too runny?
   Ensure egg yolks are fully whisked and bars are baked until lightly golden and set. Chilling before slicing helps.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.
4. How do I store these bars?
   Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
5. Can I make mini bars?
   Yes! Use a smaller pan and adjust baking time to 10–15 minutes for a mini version.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Crumb Mixture	5 min
Bake Base	15 min
Prepare Lemon Filling	5 min
Assemble & Top	5 min
Bake Bars	20–22 min
Chill & Serve	30 min
Total	1 hr

Serving Suggestions

• Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
• Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a polished presentation.
• Serve as part of a brunch spread with muffins, fruit, and coffee.

Recipe Variations

1. Blueberry Lemon Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling.
2. Chocolate Lemon Bars: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before topping with crumbs.
3. Coconut Lemon Bars: Mix ¼ cup shredded coconut into the crumble topping for texture.
4. Mini Bar Bites: Bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.

Ingredient Spotlight

Lemon Zest & Juice

• Adds freshness, brightness, and vibrant flavor.
• Zest before juicing to avoid wasting the aromatic peel.
• Store unused zest in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Creates a creamy, rich filling that sets perfectly.
• Use full-fat for best texture and taste.
• Can substitute with evaporated milk and sugar in a pinch, but consistency may vary.

Pro Baking Tips

• Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to prevent a soggy crust.
• Stir the lemon filling until smooth, then pour gently to avoid disrupting the crust.
• Bake until lightly golden for both crust and topping to achieve perfect texture.
• Chill thoroughly for cleaner slices.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Baked Bars: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.
• Optional Chocolate: Apply after chilling; store chilled until set.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	300 kcal
Carbs	42 g	Includes sugar and oats
Fat	15 g	From butter and egg yolks
Protein	4 g
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian	Gluten-free option available

Expanded Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars are a perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and buttery flavors with a delightful crunch. Their balance of textures and bright citrus flavor makes them a crowd-pleasing dessert or snack. Easy to prepare and versatile for creative variations, these bars can become a staple in your baking repertoire.

From brunches to afternoon treats, these bars deliver both visual appeal and irresistible flavor. With simple steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and pro tips for perfect slices, you can confidently bake lemon crumb bars that taste like they came from a bakery.

Chill, slice, and enjoy these tangy, sweet delights with family, friends, or just yourself—they’re that good.

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