Description
These Lemon Crumb Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a tangy and sweet lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of citrus zest and rich texture. Baked to golden perfection, they make an easy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of bars.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the crumb mixture and mix gently until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring it holds together when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, even base.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top to create the crumbly topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest according to your taste preference.
- Chilling the bars in the refrigerator before slicing helps achieve cleaner, neater cuts.
- Optionally, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
