Description
These Lemon Crumb Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust layered with a tangy, creamy lemon filling and topped with a golden crumb topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, they are chilled to set for a refreshing dessert that serves well for gatherings or as a treat any time.
Ingredients
Crust & Topping
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled until no longer hot to the touch)
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (do not use evaporated milk)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup lemon juice (fresh preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars later.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Add Butter and Combine: Drizzle the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Use a fork to toss everything together until the mixture is well combined and all dry ingredients are moistened. The mixture should be crumbly but will clump when pressed between fingers.
- Press Crust into Pan: Reserve about one-third of the crumble mixture for topping. Firmly press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. While the crust bakes, prepare the lemon filling.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: In a large glass mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully blended.
- Add Lemon Juice: While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the fresh lemon juice until the filling is smooth and completely incorporated.
- Add Filling to Crust: Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
- Top with Remaining Crumble: Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the lemon filling layer.
- Bake Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set but may still jiggle slightly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set before slicing.
- Serve: Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled for a refreshing, zesty dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best vibrant flavor in the filling.
- Do not substitute evaporated milk for the sweetened condensed milk, as this changes the texture and sweetness.
- Chilling the bars overnight improves texture and flavor development.
- The center of the lemon filling may jiggle slightly when done, but it will firm up after chilling.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper extending over the edges for easy removal of bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
