Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe | Easy, Zesty Dessert in 30 Mins

 Introduction

When life gives you lemons, make lemon crumb bars! These bright, buttery bites balance a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, zesty lemon filling, and crispy crumb topping—all in one easy dessert. Ideal for summer BBQs, bake sales, or a sunny afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Sweet, tart, and utterly addictive, they’re the lemon bars’ cooler cousin. Let’s bake!

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars (Makes 16 bars)

• For the Crust & Topping:
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Lemon Filling:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional shortcut: Use 1 cup store-bought lemon curd instead of homemade filling.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prep the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, salt, butter, and vanilla until crumbly. Press ⅔ of the mixture into the pan. Bake 15 mins until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Filling
Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and flour until smooth. Pour over warm crust.

Step 3: Add Topping & Bake
Crumble remaining crust mixture over the filling. Bake 20–25 mins until set. Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.

Pro Tip: Chill bars 1 hour before slicing for clean edges!

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch Star: Pair with iced tea or coffee.
• Summer Hit: Serve at picnics with fresh berries.
• Fancy Upgrade: Top with whipped cream or raspberry coulis.
• Gift Idea: Layer in mason jars with lemon curd and crumbs.

Conclusion

These lemon crumb bars are sunshine on a plate—easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. With their buttery crunch and punchy citrus flavor, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “second helping.”

FAQs