Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars feature a buttery oat crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon filling and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and zest, they offer a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray to ensure the bars release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients for Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. In a separate larger bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine and Bake Crust: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or plain yogurt), egg yolk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the filling. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the filling is set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the lemon crumb bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- For a tangier filling, increase the lemon juice by a tablespoon.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain yogurt for a lighter texture.
- Make sure the crust is baked before adding the filling to avoid a soggy base.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice will alter the taste.
Keywords: lemon crumb bars, lemon bars, dessert bars, homemade lemon dessert, oat crust bars, tangy lemon filling
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/homemade-lemon-crumb-bars-recipe/
