Lemon crumb bars are a delightful combination of buttery crumble and tangy lemon filling, making them an irresistible dessert or snack. This easy-to-make recipe offers a burst of citrus flavor, paired with a melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a summer gathering or a cozy winter dessert, these bars are versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Crumb Bars
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe accessible for any level of baker.
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon filling balances perfectly with the buttery crumb crust.
- Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as an after-dinner dessert, a midday snack, or a treat for special occasions.
Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust and Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining mixture aside for the topping.
2. Make the Lemon Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust.
3. Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
4. Cool and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before slicing.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars
- Fresh Lemons: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, fresh taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Cooling the bars ensures that they hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a decorative touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Conclusion
Lemon crumb bars are the perfect dessert for lemon lovers. Their tangy, sweet filling paired with a buttery, crumbly topping creates an irresistible treat. Easy to make and versatile, they’re a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a taste of sunshine in every bite!
Serving and Storage Tips for Lemon Crumb Bars
Serving Tips
- Best Served Chilled: While you can enjoy lemon crumb bars at room temperature, they taste even better chilled. The filling sets perfectly and the citrus flavor shines after some time in the refrigerator.
- Presentation Matters: For a polished presentation, cut the bars into equal-sized squares or rectangles. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for clean edges.
- Garnish Options:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a light, elegant finish.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a thin slice of lemon for a decorative touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator Storage:
- Store lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezer Storage:
- Lemon crumb bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature: If serving within the same day, you can keep the bars at room temperature. However, avoid leaving them out for more than 2 hours in warm or humid environments to maintain their freshness and texture.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Planning
Lemon crumb bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake them a day or two before your event and store them in the fridge. They retain their flavor and texture beautifully, making them a stress-free option for entertaining.
By following these serving and storage tips, your lemon crumb bars will stay fresh and delicious, ensuring your guests savor every bite!
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed juice adds a vibrant, natural tanginess that makes the bars truly irresistible.
2. Why did my lemon filling turn out too runny?
A runny filling is often caused by underbaking. Ensure the bars are baked until the topping is golden and the filling is set. Additionally, measuring the ingredients accurately, especially the eggs and lemon juice, is crucial for the right consistency.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for best results.
4. How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
For an extra burst of citrus, increase the amount of lemon zest in the filling or add a teaspoon of lemon extract. You can also add a bit of zest to the crumb topping for a delightful touch.
PrintLemon Crumb Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Juicy chicken tenders are wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, and baked to perfection. They make an irresistible appetizer, snack, or dinner idea.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders (about 8 pieces)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the bacon crisp evenly.
2. Prepare the coating
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Wrap the chicken
- Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly, and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped tender in the brown sugar mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
4. Arrange and bake
- Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- For extra caramelization, broil the tenders for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
5. Serve
- Let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Bacon tip: Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and quicker cooking.
- Make ahead: Prep the tenders in advance and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to crisp up.