Lemon Crumb Bars

Introduction

Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate treat for citrus lovers. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base and crumb topping surrounding a tangy, sweet lemon filling, these bars deliver a punch of refreshing flavor in every bite. Their layered texture and vibrant taste make them ideal for potlucks, afternoon tea, or as a special dessert for family gatherings. Bonus: they’re simple to make and even easier to share!

Why Lemon Crumb Bars Are a Standout Dessert

What sets Lemon Crumb Bars apart is the magical contrast between the crumbly, slightly salty crust and topping, and the luscious, tart lemon center. Each square is bursting with sunshine and offers a perfect balance of sweetness and brightness. They’re sturdy enough to pack for picnics and look gorgeous on a dessert tray—certain to become a crowd favorite.

Tips for the Best Lemon Filling

For irresistibly smooth filling, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. To get even, thin strips of zest and ensure there’s no bitter pith, a quality vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes zesting and prepping super easy and mess-free.

When juicing your lemons, roll them on the counter first to get more liquid out of each fruit. Mix the filling ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, ensuring a delicate texture that sets perfectly as it bakes.

Perfecting the Crumb Base and Topping

Creating a crumb that’s buttery but not greasy is key. Use cold butter and cut it into your flour mixture using a pastry blender or two forks. If you’re looking for neat, uniform cuts of butter, a versatile kitchen scale like the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale helps you measure exactly the right amount for your crust and topping, giving every batch consistency.

For mess-free baking and easy removal, line your pan with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. It keeps the bars intact and cleanup a breeze.

Serving, Storing, and Sharing

Once cooled, cut your Lemon Crumb Bars into squares. A sharp knife run under hot water ensures clean slices through the delicious layers. Store leftover bars in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to maintain freshness and transportability—which means these treats are always ready to enjoy or share.

Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, add a dusting of powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or a tall, cold glass of lemonade—perfect for any sunny day.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe yields about 16 bars. Each serving typically contains approximately 210–250 calories, depending on precise ingredient measurements and portion size. Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful, portion-controlled indulgence to brighten up your dessert rotation.

Your New Favorite Lemon Crumb Bars (Recap)

With their unbeatable combination of tart lemon and sweet, buttery crumb, these bars offer vibrant flavor and versatile presentation. They’re quick to prepare, transport well, and never fail to steal the spotlight at any event.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add cold, diced butter and cut in using a pastry blender or fork until coarse crumbs form. (For fast, even cuts, measure your butter with the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale.)
3. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. Bake 12–14 minutes, until just golden.
4. While base bakes, zest and juice your lemons using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for efficient prep. In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, remaining ¼ cup flour, lemon zest, and juice until smooth.
5. Pour lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked base. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top.
6. Bake 25–30 minutes more, or until topping is lightly browned and center is just set. Cool completely in pan before lifting out with parchment edges.
7. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bars. Store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep bars fresh and transportable.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling)