Description
These Lemon Crumb Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon filling and a crunchy crumb topping. Baked to perfection and chilled for a refreshing, zesty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled until no longer hot to the touch)
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (do not use evaporated milk)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup lemon juice (fresh preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
- Mix crust ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until fully combined.
- Add melted butter: Drizzle the melted, cooled butter over the dry mixture and use a fork to toss everything together until the mixture is thoroughly combined and moistened. It should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Press crust into pan: Reserve one-third of this crumb mixture for the topping. Firmly press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon to ensure it holds together well.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Prepare lemon filling: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the fresh lemon juice until the filling is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add filling and topping: Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust. Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the lemon filling.
- Bake bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the filling is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center and the topping begins to turn light golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into 12 servings and enjoy these refreshing lemon crumb bars chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled to room temperature so it doesn’t cook the dry ingredients prematurely.
- Do not substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk as it alters texture and sweetness.
- Chilling the bars overnight improves firmness and flavor development.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
