introduction
These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are bright, creamy, and easy to make. The crust is oat and butter crumbs. The filling is tangy lemon with sweetened condensed milk. You can bake them in one pan and cut squares when cool. If you like easy baked bars, try a different oat bar for more ideas like homemade maple donut bars.
why make this recipe
Make these bars when you want a simple dessert that looks and tastes special. The lemon is fresh and sharp. The crumb top is crunchy and sweet. You need few ingredients and one pan. It works for a party, snack, or a quick treat after dinner.
how to make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
Preheat your oven and prepare an 8×8 pan with parchment and spray. Mix dry crumbs, press most into the pan, and bake a short time. Whisk the lemon filling until smooth and pour over the crust. Sprinkle the rest of the crumbs on top and bake until golden. Let cool, then cut into squares.
You can follow the same order and timing from the Directions below. For a different cookie-style bar, see this simple sugar cookie idea at Crumbl sugar cookies.
Ingredients :
1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt), 1 large egg yolk, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
Directions :
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray., In a bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract., Mix the wet and dry ingredients until combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for topping and press the rest into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes., While the crust bakes, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth., Pour filling over baked crust and sprinkle reserved crumbs on top. Bake for another 17 to 20 minutes until golden., Cool completely before slicing into squares.
how to serve Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
Cut the bars into squares once they are fully cool. Serve at room temperature. You can dust with a little powdered sugar or top with whipped cream. They pair well with tea or coffee.
how to store Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
Store bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Press the crust firmly so it holds the filling. Do not overbake the filling — it should be set but still slightly soft in the center. If you want a crisper top, bake a few minutes more and watch closely. For another easy bread or bar idea, check an easy homemade bread recipe at easy homemade bread.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup fresh berries on top before baking for a fruit twist.
- Swap sour cream for plain yogurt if needed.
- For a lemon glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice and drizzle after cooling.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice tastes best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Q: Can I make these bars in a larger pan?
A: Yes. If you use a 9×9 pan, bake a little less time for the crust and check the filling often.
Q: Can I use margarine or salted butter?
A: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you use salted butter, skip adding extra salt.
Q: Do I need to cool the bars before cutting?
A: Yes. Cooling helps the filling set so the bars cut cleanly.
Conclusion
For a fruity twist with strawberries, this Strawberry-Lemon Crumb Bars recipe from My Kitchen, My Studio has a similar bright flavor. If you like lemon with a creamier layer, look at Lemon Crumb Bars – Together as Family for another version. For a lemon and berry combo, see the Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars on Sally’s Baking Addiction.