Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute lime juice and zest for the lemon to create a refreshing twist. The recipe works well with any citrus, so feel free to experiment with oranges or even grapefruits.

How should I store the oatmeal lemon crumble bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Can I make these oatmeal lemon crumble bars dairy-free?

Yes! You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and swap the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Oatmeal Lemon Crumble Bars: A Perfect Blend of Tangy and Crunchy

Name: Oatmeal Lemon Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 6 Tablespoons lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

Description

These easy Oatmeal Lemon Crumble Bars combine a crunchy oatmeal crust with a creamy lemon filling, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Simple, quick, and delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
6 Tablespoons lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 Tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl and add vanilla extract, beating for another 30 seconds.
Incorporate flour, baking powder, salt, and oats into the mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
Lightly press more than half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes until set.
While the crust is baking, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a separate bowl to make the filling.
After baking, pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
Return the bars to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to over-bake.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t pack the crust mixture too tightly for a light and crumbly texture.
Use a citrus zester to get the best flavor from the lemon zest.
Ensure you don’t over-bake the bars as they will continue to set as they cool.
These bars store well at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 230
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg