Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars: A Citrus Treat

I’m excited to share my favorite citrus dessert, Lemon Crumb Bars. These bars mix tangy and sweet perfectly. They have a buttery base, a creamy lemon filling, and a crunchy topping.

I’ve found the best lemon bar recipe. I’ll show you how to make these amazing bars. You’ll impress everyone with this refreshing treat.

Why I Love These Lemon Crumb Bars

<pthese lemon crumb bars are a favorite of mine. they are easy to make and full of fresh flavor. They are one of the best recipes for fresh lemons, capturing lemon’s bright taste perfectly.

My Family’s Favorite Dessert Story

<pi i made these lemon crumb bars for a family reunion last summer. i was looking for an easy lemon treat and found this great recipe. Everyone loved them, from my picky nephew to my dessert-loving grandmother. Seeing their smiles was heartwarming.

What Makes These Bars Special

• Buttery Shortbread Base: It’s rich and crumbly, a perfect base.
• Zesty Lemon Filling: Made with fresh lemons, it’s bright and tangy.
• Delicate Crumb Topping: It adds texture without hiding the lemon flavor.

Perfect Occasions to Serve

1. Family Gatherings
2. Holiday Celebrations
3. Casual Get-Togethers
4. Special Dinner Parties

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars

Making yummy lemon curd squares needs the best ingredients. Each part is key to getting the right taste and feel in your lemon lime bars.

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for a sturdy base.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup to add sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, melted, for the crumb topping.
• Eggs: 3 large eggs to bind the filling.
• Fresh Lemons: Juice and zest of 2 for that vibrant lemon flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups for the glaze.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.

Using fresh lemons makes your lemon curd squares bright and tangy. This is key for those tasty lemon lime bars. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt, making the flavor better. Fresh eggs make the filling smooth and rich. The mix of granulated and powdered sugar adds sweetness without hiding the lemon’s tartness.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make an easy dessert to share, you need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Must-Have Baking Items

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the perfect lemon fall dessert.
• Whisk: Helps in mixing the lemon filling to the right consistency.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading the batter evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Necessary for baking the crumb topping.

Optional but Helpful Tools

• Electric Mixer: Makes mixing dough quicker and easier.
• Food Processor: Great for finely grinding nuts for the crumb topping.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the lemon fall dessert to cool evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Helps in brushing the crumb topping for an even finish.

Pan Size Recommendations

Choosing the right pan size is important for an easy dessert to share. A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for creating uniform lemon fall dessert bars. If you prefer smaller portions, an 8×8-inch pan works well, making it easier to cut and serve.

Making the Buttery Shortbread Base

Creating the perfect shortbread base is key to our delicious lemon crunch bars. This recipe makes a rich, buttery crust that’s easy to make.

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2. Instructions:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
   • Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s even.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool before adding the lemon filling.

This buttery shortbread base adds a delightful crunch to your lemon crunch bars. It also makes making lemon treats easy and fun.

Creating the Perfect Lemon Filling

The lemon filling is the heart of the best lemon bar recipe. Using fresh lemons makes your bars tangy and vibrant.

Selecting and Preparing Lemons

Choose juicy, ripe lemons for maximum flavor. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any residue.
• Roll them on the counter to soften before juicing.
• Use a citrus juicer for efficient extraction.

Achieving the Right Consistency

To get a smooth and creamy filling, follow these steps:

1. Whisk eggs and sugar until well combined.
2. Gradually add in lemon juice and zest for flavor.
3. Mix in flour to thicken the mixture to the desired consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems, here are some solutions:

• Too runny: Add a bit more flour and whisk thoroughly.
• Too tart: Incorporate a touch more sugar to balance the acidity.
• Grainy texture: Ensure all ingredients are well mixed and sift dry ingredients before adding.

Mastering the Crumb Topping

Making the perfect crumb topping is key for great lemon crumb bars. It’s rich and buttery, which contrasts well with the tangy lemon curd. This adds both texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs stick together when pressed.
4. Spread the crumb mixture over the lemon curd filling.
5. Bake as your lemon curd squares recipe says, until the topping is golden brown.

This crumb topping makes the lemon curd squares look and taste amazing. It adds a nice crunch. Follow this recipe for a perfect mix of sweet and tangy in every bite.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Now we’re ready to bake our lemon treats. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that will wow everyone:

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

First, preheat your oven. This ensures even baking. Here’s what you need to know:

Visual Cues for Doneness

• The edges should be lightly golden brown.
• The center should be set and not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
• A toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling and Setting Process

1. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the lemon treats easy flavors to meld.
4. Slice into squares and serve your easy dessert to share.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

These lemon crunch bars are great for planning ahead. They’re perfect for a lemon fall dessert or a sweet treat later. Storing them right keeps them fresh and tasty.

Counter Storage Methods

Store your lemon crunch bars at room temperature. Cover them with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. They stay good on the counter for up to three days.

Freezing Instructions

To keep them longer, freeze your lemon dessert. Put the bars on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be frozen for up to two months. They won’t lose their bright lemon taste.

Reheating Guidelines

When you want to enjoy them, thaw the bars at room temperature for a few hours. Or, thaw them overnight in the fridge. For a warm treat, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds.

This brings out the lemony zest. It makes the bars even more enjoyable.

Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars: A Citrus Treat

---

• Author: Jessica

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about ½ cup)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

---

2. Prepare the Lemon Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until smooth.
2. Gradually add the lemon juice and zest, mixing well.
3. Gently fold in the flour until the mixture is fully incorporated.

---

3. Assemble and Add the Crumb Topping:

1. Pour the lemon filling over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and melted butter for the crumb topping. Stir until it forms a crumbly texture.
3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the lemon filling.

---

4. Bake the Lemon Crumb Bars:

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

---

5. Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if necessary.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

---

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars:

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Delicious Variations and Flavor Twists

Trying new flavors can make lemon lime bars even better. Here are some fun ways to change your favorite dessert:

Citrus Combinations

Using different citrus fruits can make lemon lime bars more interesting. Try adding:

• Orange zest for a sweeter twist.
• Grapefruit segments for a tangy bite.
• Lime juice to make the lime flavor stronger.

Seasonal Adaptations

Changing recipes with fresh lemons for each season keeps your dessert exciting. Think about:

• Adding cranberries in the fall for a festive touch.
• Using fresh berries in the summer.
• Peppermint for a winter twist.

Dietary Modifications

It’s easy to make these bars fit different diets. You can:

• Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free choice.

Here’s a table with some popular variations:

Serving Your Homemade Citrus Delight

Now that you’ve made the best lemon bar recipe, it’s time to serve it. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Dust each piece with powdered sugar for a fancy touch.

Add fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra flavor. Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries make it look great and add color.

Put the lemon crumb bars on a pretty platter or tiered stand. Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a perfect match.

At gatherings, use toothpicks or small forks for easy eating. Labeling the dish helps guests know what they’re trying.

Storing leftovers is easy. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for three days. Or refrigerate them for even longer. Your homemade citrus delight will always impress.