Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lemon crumb bars are the ultimate summer dessert. They’re easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand and come together in less than 45 minutes (though you’ll need to chill them for a bit). The combination of a sweet, crumbly crust and a tangy lemon filling strikes the perfect balance of flavors. They’re not overwhelmingly sour like some lemon desserts, and the texture is simply irresistible. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest really takes this recipe over the top, and the crumb topping adds a buttery finish to each bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Lemon Filling:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks, room temperature
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
For the crust, mix flour, sugars, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
Press 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
While the crust bakes, whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, cream, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in lemon juice until smooth.
Pour filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Add lemon zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the crust mixture.
Berry Twist: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the top of the filling before baking for a fruity variation.
Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bars for an extra sweet touch.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best served cold. If you’d like them a little warmer, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make lemon crumb bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, these bars are better when chilled for several hours or overnight, which allows the flavors to meld together.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I prevent my lemon filling from curdling?

Be sure to gradually whisk in the lemon juice while making the filling to prevent curdling. Also, use room-temperature eggs to ensure a smooth texture.

Can I make these bars without the crumb topping?

While the crumb topping adds flavor and texture, you can make the bars with just the crust and lemon filling if you prefer a more traditional lemon bar.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the filling is set and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the filling still jiggles, give them a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?

While heavy cream adds richness, you can substitute it with whole milk if needed, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. A smaller pan will result in thicker bars, and a larger pan will make thinner bars.

How long do lemon crumb bars need to chill?

For the best results, let the bars chill for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to allow the filling to set.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes, you can add berries such as raspberries or blueberries to the filling for a fruity twist.

Are these bars gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you could try using a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Conclusion

Lemon crumb bars are a delightful and refreshing dessert that will brighten any occasion. With their perfect balance of sweet and tart, combined with a buttery, crumbly topping, they are sure to become your go-to summer treat. Whether you make them for a picnic, a family gathering, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these bars are simple to prepare, yet they taste like they came from a bakery. Enjoy the sunshine in every bite!

Lemon Crumb Bars

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These Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring a buttery, crumbly crust and a luscious, tangy lemon filling. A refreshing and simple dessert, they’re ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or when you want a taste of sunshine in every bite.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
For the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, salt, and baking powder. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt. Gradually whisk in lemon juice until smooth.
Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares and serving

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the crust mixture.
You can mix in berries such as blueberries or raspberries into the filling for a fruity twist.
Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.