Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars: A Taste of Sunshine
There’s something truly magical about biting into a tender, tangy lemon crumb bar that instantly transports you to a sun-kissed afternoon. The creamy filling, combined with the golden, buttery crumble on top, offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. This recipe for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars holds a special place in my heart. I can recall the first time I baked these during a warm spring weekend, inviting friends over for a cozy gathering. As the aroma wafted through my kitchen, I knew I had created a little piece of sunshine to share.
These bars not only make for the perfect afternoon treat but are also a fantastic dessert for any family gathering. If you’re looking for a bright and cheerful cake to make your loved ones smile, this lemony delight is it! Be it a picnic in the park or a simple midweek indulgence, these scrumptious bars will surely brighten your day. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Zesty lemon and sweet creamy filling are sure to win over friends and family alike.
- Perfect for All Seasons: Whether it’s springtime or the height of summer, these bars are a refreshing treat.
- Easily Customizable: With simple swaps and additions, you can make these bars your own!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for a delicious grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Gather These Simple 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
How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Give it a little spray with nonstick spray to ensure no sticky situations later.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda, allowing the gentle aroma of the oats to fill the air.
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In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This step always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent gathered around the kitchen counter with my loved ones.
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Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until they are just combined. It’s always delightful to see the ingredients come together like a beautiful family reunion! Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping and press the rest into the prepared pan.
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Bake the crust for 10 minutes, allowing it to begin achieving that enticing golden tone.
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While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash more of vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens!
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Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, filling your kitchen with an invigorating citrus scent. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top for that extra layer of crunch!
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Bake for another 17 to 20 minutes, until the bars turn golden and the filling is just set. Your patience will be rewarded in heavenly bliss!
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Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares, making them perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Fun Ways to Customize It
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Berry-Lemon Delight: Fold in some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the lemon filling for a fruity twist that dances on the palate.
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Nutty Topping: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for an added layer of crunch and flavor.
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Coconut Infusion: Sprinkle some shredded coconut atop the lemon filling before adding the crumble for a tropical feel.
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Ginger Zing: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the filling for an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
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Make Ahead Advice: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
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Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of sour cream, plain yogurt works just as well. The result will still be creamy and delicious!
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Slicing Tricks: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges tidy.
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Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week—if they last that long!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can make these bars a day in advance; they taste even better after a night in the fridge! -
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can switch sour cream with yogurt or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. -
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week. -
How long does it last?
These lemon crumb bars are delicious for up to a week when stored properly in the fridge.
A Cozy Closing Note
Each bite of these Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars is a reminder that sweetness can be found in the simplest of moments. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me, filling your kitchen with warmth and love. Save this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars to your Baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy the sunshine in every bite!
Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Crust 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
Filling Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping and press the rest into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash more of vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top.
Final Baking
- Bake for another 17 to 20 minutes, until golden and filling is just set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
