Lemon crumb bars are a tangy, buttery dessert with layers of crumbly shortbread and a luscious lemon filling. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for spring gatherings, holidays, or as a refreshing treat any time of year!
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Crumble:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until combined. The mixture should still be crumbly.
- Assemble the Base:
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and thickened.
- Layer the Bars:
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner cuts, chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars
- Fresh Lemons: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Extra Zest: Add a little extra lemon zest to the crumble topping for more citrusy flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
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