Lemon Crumb Bars: A Tangy and Sweet Treat

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good dessert bar, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. These Lemon Crumb Bars definitely fit the bill! They’re a classic treat that’s perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of lemon desserts and my desire to create a bar that was both refreshing and satisfying.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly find pre-made lemon bars at the store, there’s something special about making them from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a batch of lemon crumb bars that are far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, making them yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a dessert bar that’s bursting with a balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a delightful contrast of textures. We’re talking a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth, tangy lemon filling. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in these delicious lemon crumb bars:

• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the crumbly crust and helps to thicken the lemon filling.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add a hearty and slightly chewy texture to the crust.
• Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the crust to rise slightly and become crumbly.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness to the crust and the filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the crust.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess to the lemon filling.
• Lemon Zest: Lemon zest adds a bright and zesty flavor to the filling.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the tartness that balances the sweetness of the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks add richness and help to thicken the lemon filling.

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential tools to make these lemon crumb bars:

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Baking spray
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with baking spray.
2. Make the Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, salt, baking soda, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Press the Crust: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
6. Assemble: Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate until firm.
9. Optional Chocolate Dip: For an extra treat, dip the bottom half of the frozen bars in melted white chocolate. Place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Troubleshooting

• Crumbly crust: If the crust is too crumbly, you can add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to help bind it together.
• Runny filling: If the filling is too runny, make sure to bake the bars until they are lightly golden and set. You can also try adding an extra egg yolk to the filling to thicken it.
• Bars sticking to the pan: Make sure to grease the pan well before adding the crust mixture. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use brown butter instead of regular melted butter in the crust.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the crust, such as chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
• You can also experiment with different flavors of extract, such as almond extract or lemon extract.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, picnics, or a sweet snack any time of day.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~300
• Fat: ~15g
• Cholesterol: ~50mg
• Sodium: ~200mg
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Protein: ~5g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Lemon Crumb Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Yields: 16 bars

Q: Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

A: Yes, you can use quick-cooking oats, but the texture of the crust may be slightly different.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use a different size baking pan?

A: Yes, you can use a different size baking pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.