If you’re searching for the perfect dessert that’s equal parts bright, tangy, and buttery, these Lemon Crumb Bars are your answer. With a crisp shortbread base, a luscious lemon filling, and a golden crumb topping, they’re everything you love about lemon bars—only richer and more indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply craving a sweet citrus treat, this recipe guarantees bakery-level results right from your kitchen.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery Quality at Home – Rich, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
- Versatile – Works for casual desserts, holiday tables, or afternoon tea.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy later without losing flavor.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 large lemon
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, sugars, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
- Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Reserve the rest for topping.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set (this prevents sogginess).
2. Make the Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Add flour, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour filling over the baked crust.
3. Add Crumb Topping
- Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly on top of the filling.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
4. Cool & Serve
- Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour for clean slices.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Expert Baking Tips
- Chill Before Cutting – Cold bars slice cleanly without crumbling.
- Use Fresh Lemons Only – Bottled juice lacks the bright, natural flavor.
- Zest First, Then Juice – Always zest lemons before cutting to juice them.
- Storage – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Citrus Twist: Swap half the lemon juice with lime or orange for a new flavor.
- Berry Boost: Add blueberries or raspberries before sprinkling the crumb topping.
📊 Nutrition (Per Bar, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 245
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day after chilling overnight.
Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
It’s not recommended. Fresh lemon juice gives the best tangy flavor.
Q3: What’s the difference between lemon bars and lemon crumb bars?
Classic lemon bars have a smooth custard layer, while crumb bars add a crunchy, buttery topping.
Q4: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Blind-bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the lemon filling.
📌 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a party-ready dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a bakery-style finish.
🏆 Final Thoughts
These Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying buttery crunch. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and crowd-pleasing, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your permanent collection.
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