Lemon Crumb Bars
Lemon Crumb Bars are a bright and cheerful treat with a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and a sweet, buttery crumb topping. The crust is crisp and golden, while…
Tip: save now, cook later.Lemon Crumb Bars are a bright and cheerful treat with a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and a sweet, buttery crumb topping. The crust is crisp and golden, while the lemon layer adds a refreshing burst of citrus that wakes up your taste buds. Together, it’s a simple dessert that feels light but satisfying, great for any time you want something sweet but not too heavy.
I love making these bars because they come together quickly and always feel like a little celebration on a plate. The crumb topping adds a lovely texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth lemon filling. One of my favorite tips is to use fresh lemon juice and zest to really get that punch of freshness—nothing beats the natural flavor to brighten the whole bar.
These bars are perfect for sharing at picnics, potlucks, or just enjoying with a cup of tea on a sunny afternoon. I often make a batch when I want to impress friends with a homemade dessert that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Plus, they slice up neatly, making them perfect for packing up to go or serving at a party where everyone can grab a piece.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here for controlling salt, and softened butter helps with easy mixing and a tender crumb. If you need dairy-free, try vegan butter or coconut oil, but texture may change a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for structure. For gluten-free options, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour mix can work but expect a slightly different crumb texture.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice adds bright flavor that’s hard to match. Bottled juice can work in a pinch but fresh zest really boosts the lemon taste and aroma.
Sugar: Granulated sugar creates the right sweetness and texture. You can swap for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if needed, but baking time might change slightly.
How Do You Get the Crust and Crumb Topping Just Right?
The topping and crust share the same crumbly mixture, so nailing the texture is key. Here’s what I do:
- Cream softened butter and sugar well until light and fluffy—this adds air and tenderness.
- Add dry ingredients gradually to avoid overmixing; crumbly texture is the goal, not dough.
- Press half the mixture firmly into the pan for a tight crust—don’t skip pressing it down, so it holds together after baking.
- Reserve the rest as loose crumbs to sprinkle on top, creating a crunchy texture contrast.
- Bake the crust first until just golden—this helps it set and prevents sogginess under the lemon filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing into bars.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out cleanly without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – at least two, so you can mix crust and filling separately.
- Whisk – great for blending the lemon filling smooth and lump-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – precise amounts keep the texture just right.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – useful for mixing crumbs without overworking the dough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fresh raspberries to the lemon filling before baking for a sweet-tart twist and pretty color contrast.
- Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract with the filling to soften the sharp lemon flavor.
- Replace half the all-purpose flour in the crust with almond flour for a nutty taste and tender texture.
- Top bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze made from lemon juice and sugar for extra sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus baking time of 40 to 48 minutes. Then, you’ll need to chill the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. So, plan for about 3 hours total from start to finish to enjoy these refreshing Lemon Crumb Bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges to make it easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust and Crumb Topping:
Take a large bowl and cream the softened butter with 1/2 cup sugar until the mix is light and fluffy. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir until crumbly, but not doughy. Save about 1 1/2 cups of these crumbs for the topping. Press the rest firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to make the crust.
3. Bake the Crust:
Bake this crust in your oven for around 15 to 18 minutes, just until it turns a nice light golden color. Then take it out and set it aside while you get the filling ready.
4. Prepare and Add the Lemon Filling:
While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix it until everything is smooth and well combined. Pour this fresh lemon filling evenly over the warm crust in your pan.
5. Add the Crumb Topping and Bake Again:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the lemon filling has set and the crumb topping looks golden brown.
6. Cool and Chill:
Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling, place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let everything set nicely.
7. Slice and Serve:
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve them chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious, zesty Lemon Crumb Bars!
Can I Use Frozen Lemons for the Juice and Zest?
Yes! You can freeze lemons and grate the zest while still frozen, then thaw before juicing. Just make sure to defrost the lemons fully so you can squeeze out the juice without too much effort.
How Should I Store Leftover Lemon Crumb Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the bars as directed, then chill them overnight. This actually helps the lemon filling set even better and enhances the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
You can try a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend for a gluten-free option, but texture might vary slightly. Almond flour works in the crust for a nutty twist, but don’t use it in the filling as it won’t set properly.
