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Lemon Crumb Bars

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Lemon Crumb Bars feature a zesty lemon filling nestled between layers of buttery brown sugar oat crumble. Easy to make and full of bright citrus flavor, these bars are perfect for spring picnics, potlucks, or a sweet snack with coffee.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper in both directions to form a sling.
  2. Melt the butter in a large bowl. Stir in brown sugar, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  3. Add oats and flour. Mix until fully combined with no dry spots. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.
  4. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 12–14 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
  6. While the crust bakes, zest lemons to yield 2 tablespoons and juice them to get ½ cup.
  7. In the same bowl used earlier, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.
  8. Pour lemon filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly on top.
  9. Bake for 22–24 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
  10. Cool completely on a wire rack for about 1½ hours. For firmer bars, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  11. Use the parchment sling to lift out the bars, then cut into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Add shredded coconut to the crumble for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use gluten-free oats and flour to make the bars gluten-free.
  • Substitute lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrus variation.
  • Enhance flavor with a pinch of ginger or cardamom in the crumble mix.
  • Chilling the bars before cutting helps achieve cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/lemon-crumb-bars/