How to Make Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars
Dive into the world of citrusy bliss with “Zesty Delight: Luscious Lemon Crumb Bars,” a dessert that offers the perfect balance of tangy lemon filling and sweet, buttery crumble. These bars are a delightful treat, featuring a vibrant lemon flavor that shines through every layer, complemented by a delectable crumbly topping. Ideal for summer picnics, afternoon tea, or as a refreshing end to any meal, these lemon crumb bars are not only a joy to eat but also a breeze to make.
Why You’ll Love Luscious Lemon Crumb Bars:
- Bright Lemon Flavor: The tangy zest and juice of fresh lemons create a filling that’s both refreshing and rich.
- Delightful Texture: A crisp, buttery base and crumbly topping offer a satisfying contrast to the smooth lemon center.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these bars are a hassle-free treat.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares for an easy-to-serve dessert that’s great for gatherings.
Ingredients Notes For Luscious Lemon Crumb Bars:
- For the Base and Crumb Topping:
- Flour: All-purpose flour creates a sturdy base and crumbly topping.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lends richness and helps form the perfect crumb texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the crust and topping, balancing the lemon’s tartness.
- For the Lemon Filling:
- Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice are essential for the bright, zesty flavor.
- Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to complement the lemon’s acidity.
- Eggs: Help to set the filling, creating a smooth and custardy texture.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Base: Combine flour, sugar, and diced cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half into the bottom of a lined baking pan, baking until lightly golden.
- Make the Lemon Filling: Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and a bit of flour until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer freshness, keep refrigerated for up to a week.
How to Make Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 large lemons to yield about 1/2 cup lemon juice and 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift out the bars easily after baking.
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg to form a crumbly dough.
- Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm, even layer. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping.
Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Make the Lemon Filling:
- Zest and juice the lemons to get approximately 2 teaspoons of zest and 1/2 cup of juice.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 eggs until well combined.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the lemon filling to create a crumb topping.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before cutting into squares.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.
