Lemon Crumb Bars – How to Bake Them Perfectly
Introduction
Picture this: a buttery, crumbly crust, a layer of tangy-sweet lemon filling, and a golden streusel topping that melts in your mouth. That’s Lemon Crumb Bars—the ultimate sunny-day dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible.
Did you know lemon bars date back to medieval Europe, where citrus was a prized ingredient? Today, we’ve perfected them into these no-fuss crumb bars that take just 10 minutes of prep and bake in under 30. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that’s crisp on top and creamy in the middle.
If you loved my Blueberry Crumble Bars, you’ll flip for these—they’re just as simple but with a bright, zesty twist. Ready to bake a batch of sunshine? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
What Are Lemon Crumb Bars?
Lemon Crumb Bars—sounds fancy, right? But don’t let the name fool you. These are basically lemon squares’ laid-back cousin: less fussy, extra crumbly, and packed with the same lip-puckering goodness. Why “crumb” bars? Because that buttery streusel topping is the star, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
Legend says the first lemon bar was invented by a baker who ran out of pie crust (oops!) and improvised with crumbs. Smart move! And as they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—but these bars will win over anyone. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a lemon grove? Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Bars
- Sunshine in Every Bite
The filling is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant flavor. The buttery crumb layers? Pure comfort food magic. - Cheaper (and Better) Than a Bakery
Skip the 4 coffee shop squares! This recipe costs about 4 coffee shop squares ! This recipe costs about 5 to make and yields 16 generous bars. - Endless Variations
Swap the lemon for lime or orange, add a drizzle of glaze, or mix berries into the filling. Like my Raspberry Almond Bars, these are endlessly adaptable.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
Quick Overview
✔ Prep Time: 10 mins
✔ Cook Time: 25 mins
✔ Total Time: 35 mins
✔ Difficulty: Easy
✔ Key Features: Buttery crumb layers, zesty lemon filling, no mixer needed!
Key Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumbs:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Lemon Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crumb Base
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbs form.
- Press ⅔ of the mixture into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the Filling
- Beat eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over the hot crust.
- Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling. Bake 25 minutes until golden.
- Cool & Slice
- Let cool completely (about 1 hour) before cutting into squares.
What to Serve With Lemon Crumb Bars
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: Balances the tartness perfectly.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a juicy contrast.
- Iced Tea or Sparkling Lemonade: For a refreshing pairing.
Top Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars
- Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
- Cold Butter is Key: For the crumbliest texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The filling should jiggle slightly when pulled from the oven.
- Gluten-Free? Swap flour 1:1 with a GF blend.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10 seconds to revive the crumb texture.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate easy-bake dessert—bursting with citrus flavor, impossibly buttery, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just because you deserve a treat!
