There’s something about the zesty zing of lemons that just wakes up the senses, don’t you think? These Lemon Crumb Bars are like sunshine in dessert form—a perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a crumbly texture that’s just so satisfying. I first made these on a rainy afternoon, hoping to lift the gloom, and wow, did they deliver!
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, salt, and baking soda. Add granulated and brown sugars, mixing until the sugars are fully incorporated.
- Mix vanilla into the melted butter, then pour this over the dry ingredients. Stir until all ingredients are evenly moistened. Press half of this crumb mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, forming an even layer.
- Bake the crumb base in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven, but keep the oven heated to 350°F (175°C).
- In another bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolks, and lemon extract until smooth. Spread this lemon mixture evenly over the baked crumb layer in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the lemon layer. Bake in the oven for another 23-26 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
- Let the bars cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once chilled, cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4401 | Fat: 189g | Saturated Fat: 117g | Cholesterol: 891mg | Sodium: 2358mg | Potassium: 2313mg | Carbohydrates: 621g | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 423g | Protein: 72g | Vitamin A: 5832IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 1386mg | Iron: 18mg
FAQ
- Can I make these Lemon Creme Crumb Bars in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare these bars ahead of time. After baking, allow them to cool, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. They actually taste delightful when served cold.
- What is the best way to store Lemon Creme Crumb Bars?
- Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor.
- Can I use any substitutes for the lemon extract?
- If you don’t have lemon extract, you can increase the amount of lemon zest and juice slightly to enhance the lemon flavor.
- Do I need to use an 8 by 8-inch baking dish?
- An 8 by 8-inch baking dish is recommended for the best results. Using a different size may affect the thickness and baking time of the bars.
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- This recipe yields approximately 9 servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: For the crumb mixture, ensure that the butter is melted but not hot, as this helps in achieving a crumbly texture. Mixing the butter with dry ingredients evenly will result in a perfect crumb layer.
- Zest Before You Juice: When preparing the lemon filling, zest your lemons before juicing them. It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than one that’s already been squeezed.
- Press the Crumb Mixture Firmly: When forming the base layer of the crumb mixture, press it firmly into the baking dish. This ensures a solid foundation for the lemon filling and helps the bars hold together when sliced.
- Chill Before Cutting: After baking, allow the bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating them. Chilling the bars for at least 30 minutes to an hour helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
Equipment
- 8×8-inch Baking Dish – If you don’t already have an appropriately sized baking dish, this is essential for baking the bars.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls is necessary for preparing the dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk – A good quality whisk for mixing the lemon creme filling and dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measuring tools are important for following the recipe precisely.
- Airtight Container – To store the finished lemon crumb bars and keep them fresh in the refrigerator.
