Lemon Crumb Bars are the kind of dessert that brighten any table. With a buttery oat crumble, a silky lemon filling, and just the right amount of sweetness, these bars strike the perfect balance between cozy and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing a picnic, or just craving something zesty, these bars are a sunshine-filled treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
The best part? No mixer needed and only pantry staples required. One bowl for the crust, another for the filling, and a quick bake in the oven—you’re on your way to dessert bliss in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Crumb Bars
- Zesty & Bright: Bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Crunch Meets Creamy: Buttery crumb layers sandwich a silky citrus filling.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: No hard-to-find ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect chilled or frozen for later.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for prepping ahead for events or gifting.
- Customizable: Easily switch up the citrus or add a fruit layer.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
For the Crumb Layers:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large egg yolks
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
1️⃣ Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Crumble
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and both sugars. Pour in melted butter and vanilla, then mix until crumbly.
3️⃣ Form the Crust
Press half the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
4️⃣ Make the Lemon Filling
In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
5️⃣ Assemble & Bake
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6️⃣ Cool & Slice
Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For cleaner slices, cut while chilled or slightly frozen.
Optional Add-Ons
- White Chocolate Dip: Dip the bottoms of chilled bars in melted white chocolate and let set.
- Berry Twist: Add a thin layer of raspberry or blueberry preserves between the crust and filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds to the topping for texture.
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free baking mix for the flour.
What if I want a stronger lemon flavor?
Add more zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract.
How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
Chill thoroughly before slicing and use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Crumb Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a ray of sunshine you can slice and share. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and refreshingly tangy, they’re perfect for any season or reason. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
Print
Lemon Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Lemon Crumb Bars are a sunshine-filled treat with a buttery oat crumble and silky lemon filling. Easy to make with pantry staples, they’re perfect for brunches, picnics, or anytime you need a zesty pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- For the Crumb Layers:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Make the Crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, salt, baking soda, and both sugars. Pour in melted butter and vanilla, then mix until crumbly.
- Form the Crust: Press half the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Make the Lemon Filling: In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For cleaner slices, cut while chilled or slightly frozen.
Notes
Try white chocolate dipping, add berry preserves, or include chopped nuts in the topping. Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze individually for 3 months. Chill fully for neat slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon crumb bars, citrus dessert, lemon squares, easy lemon bars, spring baking