Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Their bright lemon flavor combined with a buttery crumb topping creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart. These bars are easy to make and are great for family gatherings, picnics, or as a simple dessert after dinner. The nostalgia of homemade treats makes these lemon crumb bars a favorite for many.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars

To prepare these scrumptious Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar (divided)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup butter, chilled
• 1 egg
• 1 cup sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp flour (for filling)
• 2 eggs (for filling)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together.
2. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
3. Add 1 egg into the crumb mixture to help it form.
4. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp of flour, 2 eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
6. Pour this lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the filling.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
9. Once baked, cool the bars, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars

Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars can be served at room temperature. You can cut them into small squares or bars for easy serving. They are delicious on their own, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. They make a refreshing dessert on warm days and are perfect for coffee or tea time.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars

To store these lemon crumb bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For even longer storage, they can be frozen. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving when ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars

1. Make sure your butter is well-chilled for the crumb topping to get a nice texture.
2. Fresh lemon juice and zest will enhance the flavor significantly, so try to use fresh lemons when possible.
3. Do not overmix the filling to keep it smooth and creamy.
4. Chill the bars before cutting them; this will make slicing easier and keep the filling intact.

Variation

You can switch things up by adding fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a fruity twist. Another variation is to add a bit of almond extract to the crumb mixture for an added depth of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

3. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when the edges are lightly golden and the filling is set. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

4. Can I add more lemon zest to make it more lemony?
Absolutely! You can add more lemon zest for an extra burst of lemon flavor as per your taste preference.

Old-Fashioned Lemon Crumb Bars

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• Author: jurgentukur
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful bars feature a bright lemon flavor paired with a buttery crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar (divided)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup butter, chilled
• 1 egg
• 1 cup sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp flour (for filling)
• 2 eggs (for filling)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together.
2. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
3. Add 1 egg into the crumb mixture to help it form.
4. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp of flour, 2 eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
6. Pour this lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the filling.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
9. Once baked, cool the bars, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.

Notes

Chill the bars before cutting them for easier slicing. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American