🍋 Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars
Sunshine in every bite! These bright, buttery bars combine a creamy lemon center with a golden oat crumble – the ultimate citrus treat for spring, summer, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and zesty.
If you’re a lemon dessert lover, these bars will steal your heart. Think creamy lemon curd meets chewy oat cookie crust – dreamy, right? They’re simple to make, packed with texture, and perfect for picnics, bake sales, or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
✨ Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 large egg yolks
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later.
2️⃣ Make the Crust & Crumble
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until a soft crumble forms – the mixture should resemble wet sand.
3️⃣ Press the Base
Firmly press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust.
4️⃣ Mix the Lemon Layer
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Assemble the Bars
Pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks just set.
7️⃣ Cool & Chill
Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!) before slicing into squares.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumble Bars
- 💛 Zesty & bright: That lemon punch is fresh and tangy without being too sour.
- 🍋 Creamy meets crumbly: Silky filling + crunchy oat topping = dessert magic.
- 🧊 Chill-friendly: They’re even better cold and great for make-ahead treats.
- 📦 Easy to pack: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, lunchboxes, or gifting!
Storage Tips
Keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (layered with parchment paper) for up to a month – just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition Estimate (per bar)
- 🔥 Calories: ~280 kcal
- 🍽️ Yields: 16 bars
- ⏰ Prep Time: 15 min
- ⏳ Bake Time: 30 min
- ❄️ Chill Time: 2 hours
These Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars are pure citrus joy – bright, creamy, and buttery with just the right balance of sweet and tart. Perfect with a cup of tea, a springtime brunch, or straight from the fridge when that dessert craving hits.
#LemonBars #CrumbleBars #CitrusDessert #SummerBaking #EasyLemonRecipes #SweetAndTangy #BakingJoy
