Easy & Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe: A Zesty Treat!

🍋 Irresistible Lemon Crumb Bars – A Sweet & Tangy Treat!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Bars

If you’re a fan of bright, citrusy desserts with a buttery crunch, these Lemon Crumb Bars are about to become your new favorite! 🍋✨ They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Easy to make – No complicated techniques required, just simple ingredients and quick prep!
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or even a holiday dessert table.
• Rich, buttery crumb topping – Every bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• A citrus lover’s dream – Packed with fresh lemon flavor that brightens up your day!

A Dessert for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a refreshing summer dessert, or simply craving a homemade sweet treat, these bars are a fantastic choice. Their buttery base, smooth lemon filling, and crumbly topping make them an instant crowd-pleaser.

For another citrusy delight, check out this Lemon Lush Trifle Recipe—a layered dessert that’s just as irresistible!

What to Expect from This Recipe

• A buttery shortbread crust that provides the perfect base.
• A creamy lemon filling that’s tangy and smooth.
• A crisp, golden crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch.

Want to explore more variations? Try these Lemon Crumb Bars on Allrecipes for inspiration from different home bakers!

These Lemon Crumb Bars also pair wonderfully with a classic Lemon Drizzle Cake if you’re planning a dessert spread.

Stay tuned for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions! 😋

🍋 The Best Lemon Crumb Bars – Easy, Buttery & Bursting with Flavor!

Why These Lemon Crumb Bars Stand Out

This Lemon Crumb Bars recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. It combines the buttery richness of shortbread, the tangy brightness of fresh lemons, and a sweet, crumbly topping that makes every bite irresistible. Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:

• Quick & Easy – Simple steps with minimal prep time!
• Packed with Fresh Lemon Flavor – No artificial flavors, just pure citrus goodness.
• Perfect Texture – A crispy, buttery crust meets a smooth, tangy lemon filling.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday dessert table, or a sweet snack, these bars always impress.

For another delicious lemony treat, check out this Lemon Lush Trifle Recipe—a layered dessert that’s just as refreshing!

🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

These Lemon Crumb Bars use pantry staples, but a few ingredients make all the difference:

• Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – Brings a natural, tangy brightness.
• Butter – Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creaminess and balances the tartness.
• Flour & Sugar – Essential for structure and sweetness.

📝 Full Ingredient List

For the Crust & Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 large egg yolks

Looking for another way to enjoy lemon-based desserts? Try this Lemon Drizzle Cake—a zesty, moist delight!

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Adjustments

• No sweetened condensed milk? Substitute with a mix of evaporated milk and sugar.
• Want a gluten-free version? Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
• Prefer a softer crust? Add an extra tablespoon of butter to make it more tender.

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

💡 Enhancing Flavor & Texture

• For extra lemon flavor, increase the zest or add a touch of lemon extract.
• For crunchier crumbs, bake the crust slightly longer before adding the filling.
• For a sweeter touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

For more variations, check out these Lemon Crumb Bars on Allrecipes—they offer different takes on this classic treat!

Now that you have the perfect ingredients and pro tips, let’s move on to how to bake these irresistible Lemon Crumb Bars! 🍋😋

🍋 How to Make the Best Lemon Crumb Bars – Step-by-Step Guide

A Quick Overview

Making these Lemon Crumb Bars is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a buttery, crumbly crust paired with a luscious, tangy lemon filling. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before digging in! 😋

If you love citrus-infused desserts, check out this Lemon Lush Trifle Recipe—another deliciously layered lemon treat!

🍋 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Crust & Crumb Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden. This helps keep the base crisp under the lemon filling.

2️⃣ Make the Lemon Filling

5. While the crust bakes, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks in a bowl until smooth.
6. Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

3️⃣ Add the Crumb Topping & Bake

7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, ensuring an even layer.
8. Bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
9. Cool completely before slicing—this helps the bars firm up for perfect texture.

For more lemon dessert ideas, explore these Lemon Crumb Bars on Allrecipes—you’ll find plenty of variations!

🌱 Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

• Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour for a nuttier taste.

Vegan Adaptation

• Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use flax eggs instead of egg yolks.

Lower Sugar Version

• Reduce sugar in the crust by 1-2 tablespoons, and use a sugar-free condensed milk alternative.

Looking for another lemony dessert? Try this Lemon Drizzle Cake for a classic, zesty option!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Garnish Ideas

🥂 Perfect Pairings

• A warm cup of tea (green, chamomile, or earl grey) enhances the citrus flavors.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the tanginess with creamy sweetness.
• Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a burst of color and tart contrast.

🌿 Garnish for Extra Appeal

• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
• Sprinkle with extra lemon zest for an intense citrus aroma.
• Top with whipped cream for a light and airy complement.

These Lemon Crumb Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature—the flavors are even better the next day!

Now that you have the full guide, it’s time to bake, enjoy, and share these buttery, tangy, and absolutely irresistible bars! 🍋😋

❓ Lemon Crumb Bars FAQs – Your Questions Answered!

Got questions about making Lemon Crumb Bars? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common queries, along with expert tips to help you perfect this buttery, tangy dessert.

1️⃣ Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended! It provides a brighter, more natural citrus flavor and enhances the aroma. Plus, using fresh lemon zest adds an extra burst of freshness.

For another zesty dessert, try this Lemon Lush Trifle—a layered treat packed with citrus goodness!

2️⃣ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

The key to a crisp crust is pre-baking it before adding the lemon filling. Bake it for 12–15 minutes until golden, then let it cool slightly before pouring in the filling.

If you love moist yet firm lemon desserts, you’ll also enjoy this Lemon Drizzle Cake!

3️⃣ How do I store Lemon Crumb Bars?

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

For more variations, explore these Lemon Crumb Bars on Allrecipes to see how different bakers store and serve their bars!

4️⃣ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix or almond flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the buttery, crumbly goodness will still shine through!

🍋 Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Bars

A Quick Recap

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful balance of buttery, crumbly goodness and zesty lemon flavor. From the crisp shortbread crust to the smooth lemon filling and golden crumb topping, every bite is pure bliss.

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
✅ Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
✅ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Sweet, tangy, and buttery in every bite.
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for summer picnics, afternoon tea, or special gatherings.
✅ Customizable – Easily adapt to gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar versions.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy trying this Lemon Drizzle Cake—another citrus-packed delight perfect for any occasion!

🍽️ Time to Bake & Enjoy!

Now that you have all the steps, it’s time to bake your own batch of Lemon Crumb Bars! Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Want to explore more lemon treats? Check out these Lemon Crumb Bars on Allrecipes for different variations and ideas.

📢 Join the Conversation!

• Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments!
• Looking for more citrusy treats? Try this Lemon Lush Trifle for another delicious lemon dessert.

Happy baking! 🍋✨

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