Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful combination of buttery oat crust, tangy lemon filling, and crumbly topping. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home, these bars are easy to make and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. The creamy lemon layer nestled between the crisp oat layers is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Oat Crust:

• 1 cup (80 g) quick-cooking oats
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (115 g) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine the oats , flour , brown sugar , baking soda , and baking powder .
2. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture is crumbly. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Measure out half of the mixture (about 2 cups) and set it aside to use as the topping.
4. Press the remaining half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

1. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes , or until golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk , lemon juice , egg yolks , lemon zest , and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked oat crust.
2. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top of the lemon filling, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Bake the assembled bars for 20–25 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

1. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to allow them to set completely.
2. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh lemons : Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
• Don’t overmix the crust : Overmixing can make the crust tough. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Storage : Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Enjoy these Lemon Crumb Bars —a zesty, buttery, and perfectly balanced dessert that’s sure to brighten any day!