Description
Lemon Crumb Bars are a deliciously creamy and tangy dessert featuring a smooth lemon filling layered between a buttery streusel crust and crumble topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars offer a refreshing citrus flavor with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/3 cups (291 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 12 tablespoons (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for filling)
- 2/3 cup (157 ml) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the lemon juice while whisking continuously until fully combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for another 15 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly.
- Chilling is essential for clean slices and proper texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 401 kcal
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 223 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg