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Lemon Crumble Bars

Lemon Crumble Bars
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Lemon Crumble Bars are bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced treats featuring a buttery crust, vibrant lemon filling, and a crumbly topping. Easy to prepare and adaptable, these bars are ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon snacks, or elegant desserts that bring a refreshing citrus burst to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Crumble

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Lemon Filling

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh lemon zest
  • Finely chopped mint or edible flowers for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Cube ¾ cup cold unsalted butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan to form the sturdy, buttery crust foundation.
  2. Make the Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until smooth and slightly thickened. This mixture will deliver the signature tart and creamy layer that defines Lemon Crumble Bars.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the prepared crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping (the remaining one-third of the crust/crumble mixture) over the lemon filling. Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the crumble is golden and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  4. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the lemon filling fully set. Once cool, dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired, cut into squares, and serve. Bars can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a firmer texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best bright, fresh flavor—freshly squeezed juice and zest make a noticeable difference.
  • Keep butter cold until mixing to create a flakier crust and crumble topping.
  • Avoid overbaking; the filling should be just set with a slight wobble for creamy texture.
  • Chill bars before slicing to make clean, neat cuts easier.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon crumble bars, lemon dessert, lemon bars, crumble topping, citrus dessert, easy lemon bars, gluten-free lemon bars, summer dessert

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/lemon-crumble-bars/