Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

These Bright Lemon Crumble Bars offer the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. With a rich, buttery crust that crumbles delicately and a smooth, zesty lemon filling, these bars are perfect for any event—whether it’s a midday snack or a refreshing dessert. The vibrant freshness of lemon juice elevates the flavor, making them both simple to prepare and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/3 cups
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
• Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed
• Salt: ¾ teaspoon
• Baking Powder: ¼ teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter: 12 tablespoons, melted and cooled

For the Lemon Filling:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 oz)
• Egg Yolks: 4 large, room temperature
• Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: ⅛ teaspoon
• Fresh Lemon Juice: ⅔ cup (about 4-5 lemons)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand and clumps form.
3. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Set the remaining crust mixture aside for the crumb topping.
4. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Crumble the reserved crust mixture over the top of the filling.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

1. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan.
2. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles, then refrigerate before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Tangy Lemon Crumble Bars are a bright and refreshing dessert, ideal for any event. With a rich, buttery crust and a smooth, citrusy filling, they’re sure to wow your guests. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a cup of tea, these bars are destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every bite!