Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars offer a perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and buttery crumbly crust. They are easy to make and a delightful treat for dessert or afternoon tea. With a bright citrus flavor and a tender texture, they’re sure to become a favorite.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda to combine the dry ingredients.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture to use as a topping later.
5. Step 5: Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until set.
6. Step 6: While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth.
7. Step 7: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lemon filling evenly over it. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly on top of the filling.
8. Step 8: Bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
• Swap sour cream for plain yogurt to add a subtle tang.
• Ensure bars are completely cool before slicing to keep clean edges.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store the lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Reheat briefly in the microwave if preferred warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of citrus instead of lemon?

Yes, lime or orange juice and zest can be substituted for lemon to give a different but equally tasty flavor.

Why does the recipe call for both condensed milk and sour cream?

The condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess while the sour cream provides moisture and a slight tang, balancing the tartness of the lemon.

Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 69 reviews

Delight in these homemade lemon crumb bars featuring a buttery oat crust topped with a tangy lemon filling and a crisp crumb topping. Perfectly balanced with sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice, these bars are a refreshing, zesty dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (2×2 inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (additional to crust)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. This mixture forms the base and crumb topping of your bars.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients for Crust: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Form Crust and Reserve Topping: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping, then press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes. This step partially bakes the base so it will hold the lemon filling properly.
6. Prepare Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or plain yogurt), egg yolk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Filling and Topping: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top for a delightful crunchy finish.
8. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
9. Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to let the filling firm up. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

• For a tangier flavor, add a little more lemon juice or zest according to taste.
• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing to prevent the filling from crumbling.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can swap sour cream for plain yogurt for a lighter alternative.
• Line the pan with parchment paper with enough overhang for easy removal.

Keywords: lemon crumb bars, lemon bars, homemade lemon dessert, lemon oat bars, sweetened condensed milk dessert