Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars: A Sunshine-filled Delight
Ah, the humble lemon! Just a whiff of its zesty aroma can instantly uplift your spirits and lighten your mood. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen during those sunny afternoons, where she’d whip up a batch of her delightful lemon bars while humming her favorite tunes. The fragrant lemony filling swirling with a buttery crumb topping created an ambiance that felt like a warm hug. It’s this comforting memory that inspired my recipe for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars—a treat that brings sunshine into your home, even on the cloudiest days.
Perfect for casual gatherings, cozy afternoons, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up, these easy dessert bars are what I would call a "summer on a plate." If you love bright, creamy desserts with a golden crumb topping, then this recipe is for you. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert for gatherings or potlucks.
- Deliciously Creamy: The sweetened condensed milk gives each bite a rich, creamy texture that balances beautifully with the tart lemon.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and perfect for family dessert nights—everyone loves a good lemon bar!
- Cozy Comfort: The combination of buttery oats and zesty lemon provides a nostalgic comfort reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.
- Customizable: Endless possibilities for flavors and toppings make these bars a favorite for all seasons.
What You’ll Need
To bring this sunny delight to life, gather these simple ingredients:
- 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
- 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
Let’s Make It Together
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray with nonstick spray.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda until well blended.
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In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
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Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until everything is mixed together.
-
Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping, then press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
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Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until it begins to set and lightly golden.
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While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until the mixture is beautifully smooth.
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Pour this luscious filling over the baked crust, then sprinkle your reserved crumb topping evenly over the top.
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Return to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until it’s golden and set.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares for the perfect cozy treat.
Variations & Creative Twists
Mix up this classic recipe and create your own version! Here are some fun ideas:
- Berry Bliss: Fold in a cup of fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, into the lemon filling for a delicious twist. The burst of flavor will take you right to summer!
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the crumb topping for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Coconut Cream: Substitute half of the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a creamy, tropical variation.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon added to the crumb topping can create a warm, inviting flavor that complements the citrus beautifully.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: These lemon bars can be made a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully.
- Slicing Secrets: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to avoid messy edges.
- Ingredient Swaps: You can easily substitute plain yogurt for sour cream if that’s what you have on hand; it works wonderfully!
- Store & Enjoy: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If they’re still around after a week, you can pop them in the freezer for a delightful treat later on!
Nutrition Information per Serving
These delightful lemon squares are the perfect balance of dessert indulgence and a bit of zest for your health:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 40mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day ahead and chill them in the refrigerator before serving. -
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap sour cream with plain yogurt or use a different citrus zest to create variations in flavor! -
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for optimal freshness. -
How long does it last?
These bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for a month.
Wrapping It Up
Lemon Crumb Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a cozy embrace that instantaneously brightens up any day. I hope this simple recipe brings warmth and happiness into your kitchen, as it did mine. Save this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars recipe to your dessert board, so you have it ready when you’re in need of a little sunshine! Happy baking!
Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 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
Filling Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda until well blended.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until everything is mixed together.
- Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping, then press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until it begins to set and lightly golden.
Filling and Baking
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until the mixture is beautifully smooth.
- Pour this luscious filling over the baked crust, then sprinkle your reserved crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until it’s golden and set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares for the perfect cozy treat.
