Lemon Crumb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zesty and refreshing: A vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice and zest brings bold citrus flavor.

Easy prep: Minimal steps and pantry staples come together quickly.

All-in-one crumble: The same mixture forms both the crust and the topping, simplifying the process.

Perfect texture: Chewy oats and buttery crumble contrast beautifully with the creamy filling.

Great for sharing: Makes 12 bars—ideal for potlucks or snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
¾ cup packed dark or light brown sugar
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled or quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large or 3 medium lemons
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions

Preheat and prep the pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper in both directions to create a sling.

Make the crumb base
Melt butter in a large bowl. Stir in brown sugar, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add oats and flour; mix until no dry spots remain. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

Form the crust
Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan. Bake 12–14 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant.

Prepare the lemon filling
Zest lemons to yield about 2 tablespoons; juice them to get ½ cup. In the same bowl, combine zest, juice, sweetened condensed milk, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth.

Assemble and bake
Pour filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture over the top. Bake for 22–24 minutes until the topping is golden and filling is set.

Cool and cut
Cool completely on a wire rack, about 1½ hours. For firmer bars, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Lift out using the parchment and cut into 12 squares.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 bars

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 35–40 minutes

Cooling time: 1½ to 2 hours

Total time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add coconut: Mix shredded coconut into the crumble for extra texture.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and flour.

Switch citrus: Try lime or orange zest and juice for a different twist.

Extra zing: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the crumble for warmth.

Storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 5 days.

Refrigeration: Keeps well chilled if you prefer a firmer filling.

Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time by a few minutes.

How do I prevent crumb topping from sinking?

Bake the crust first and pour filling over hot crust before adding the topping to help it stay on top.

What type of oats should I use?

Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture, but quick oats work too.

Is it necessary to chill the bars?

Chilling helps set the filling for cleaner cuts but isn’t strictly necessary if fully cooled.

Can I use light brown sugar?

Yes, either light or dark brown sugar works, depending on your flavor preference.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute and vegan butter alternatives.

Why line the pan with parchment?

It helps lift the bars out cleanly for easy cutting.

Can I add a glaze on top?

A drizzle of lemon glaze adds sweetness and extra lemon flavor.

Will these bars travel well?

Yes, once cooled and cut, they hold up well for lunchboxes or potlucks.

Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars deliver the perfect blend of citrus brightness and cozy crumbly texture. They’re simple, satisfying, and sure to brighten up your dessert table. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars hit all the right notes.

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