Description
Zesty lemon crumb bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy citrus and buttery crumble, creating a delightful dessert that whispers summer memories. Crumbly, sweet, and irresistibly fresh, these bars promise to make you the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
Lemon Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 large egg yolks
Sweetening and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
- Create the crumb base by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, then incorporate melted butter until the mixture develops a sandy, crumbly texture.
- Distribute and firmly press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact crust layer.
- Craft the vibrant lemon filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and egg yolks until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Carefully pour the lemon filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, creating a textured, crumbly topping.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration on the crumb topping.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to set and enhance flavor.
- Slice into neat squares and serve chilled or at room temperature, revealing the zesty, creamy lemon filling beneath the crumbly exterior.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully melted but not scorching hot to prevent a greasy crust texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes.
- Chilling the bars helps them set perfectly and enhances the creamy lemon filling’s consistency.
- Experiment with adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light lemon glaze for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 254 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 76 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg