Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars: A Sunshine Treat
There’s something undeniably magical about the first bite of a Lemon Crumb Bar. The gentle, tangy sweetness dances on your tongue, wrapping you in a warm hug of nostalgia, bringing back sun-soaked afternoons spent in the company of loved ones. With its golden, buttery crust layered beneath a creamy lemon filling, these bars evoke warm memories and the comforting feeling of home. Whether you’re seeking a cozy treat for a gathering or wanting to indulge in something sweet after a long day, this recipe for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars is one you’ll want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty and refreshing – The vibrant lemon flavor adds a cheerful brightness, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to make – With straightforward steps and minimal effort, these bars are perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time.
- Perfect texture – The combination of a crumbly topping with a smooth, creamy filling creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the taste, making it a wonderful treat for gatherings.
- Great for meal prep – These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, making them an easy grab-and-go snack for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
- 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
How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray—this makes for easy removal later!
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda, blending the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
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In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is nice and smooth.
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Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping, and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Pop the crust into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
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While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
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Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
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Return to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy the sunshine on your plate!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Berry Citrus Bliss: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the lemon filling for a burst of color and flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Mix shredded coconut into the crust for an added tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
- Lemon Lavender Dream: Stir in a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender into the filling for a fragrant twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Top the bars with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
- Slicing Secret: To get clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it off, and slice through the bars for neat edges.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of sour cream, plain yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute, maintaining that creamy texture.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 192
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: 11g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready!
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Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
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How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week; they’re delightful chilled!
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How long do they last? These bars will last about a week in the refrigerator, perfect for snacking throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines comfort, nostalgia, and zesty sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or savoring them on a quiet afternoon, each slice brings a smile. Save this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars recipe to your cozy treats board so it’s ready when you need a sweet smile in your day!
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 sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 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 spray with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Set aside 3/4 cup for topping and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Filling Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of vanilla until smooth.
- Once the crust is ready, pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
Final Baking
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
