Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of lemon with a crunchy, buttery crumble. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to a simple afternoon snack. These bars are not only easy to make but also delicious, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars is a great way to enjoy a sweet and tangy dessert. They are simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, the combination of creamy lemon filling and a crumbly topping creates a wonderful texture and flavor balance that is hard to resist. These bars are a perfect dessert for summer or any time you crave something refreshing and tasty.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and the remaining flour. Cut in butter until crumbly, then sprinkle this topping over the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars
Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can cut them into square bars and place them on a platter. They can be garnished with extra lemon zest or powdered sugar for a prettier presentation. These bars make a tasty addition to any dessert table or picnic.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars
To store your Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid messy slices.
- Customize the topping by adding nuts or different spices to the crumble mixture for extra flavor.
Variation
You can try different flavors by substituting other citrus juices, such as lime or orange, for the lemon juice. This will give the bars a unique twist while still keeping the creamy and crumbly goodness.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat sweetened condensed milk if you want to reduce the calories, but it may slightly change the texture.
2. How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Print
Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat combining bright lemon flavor with a crunchy, buttery crumble. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and the remaining flour. Cut in butter until crumbly, then sprinkle this topping over the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Best served chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with lemon zest or powdered sugar for presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon bars, dessert, creamy, crumble, summer