Lemon Crumb Bars (Printable version)
Tangy lemon filling with buttery crumb crust and topping for a perfect sweet-tart treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crumb Mixture
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Lemon Filling
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - Zest of 2 lemons
10 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
→ Optional Topping
11 - Powdered sugar for dusting
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until well combined. Add sugar, flour, lemon zest, and lemon juice; whisk until smooth.
05 - Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
06 - Bake for 32–35 minutes, until the top is light golden and the filling is set.
07 - Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment, then cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The buttery crumbs practically melt in your mouth while the lemon filling wakes up your taste buds in the most delightful way
- These bars strike that perfect sweet tart balance that makes everyone reach for seconds
02 -
- Room temperature butter will make your crumb mixture turn into a dough instead of crumbs, so keep that butter cold
- The filling might look slightly underbaked when you take it out, but it continues to set as it cools
03 -
- Zest your lemons before juicing them, it's much easier to handle when the fruit is still firm
- If you want extra brightness, add a pinch of lemon zest to the crumb topping mixture