Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tangy brightness of lemon with the buttery richness of a crumbly topping. These bars feature a luscious lemon filling sandwiched between layers of a buttery crumb crust and topping, each enhanced with a touch of brown sugar. This combination creates a treat that’s both zesty and satisfying, with a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a sweet finish to any meal, these Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the refreshing taste of lemon.

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The addition of brown sugar in both the crust and the crumb topping gives these bars a deeper, caramel-like flavor that complements the bright lemon filling. The crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 16 bars):

• • - Calories: 230
  • - Total Fat: 11g
  • - Saturated Fat: 7g
  • - Cholesterol: 35mg
  • - Sodium: 125mg
  • - Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • - Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • - Sugars: 20g
  • - Protein: 2g

Storage Information:

- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

- For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
• - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (divided)
• - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• - 1 large egg
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• - 1 cup granulated sugar
• - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• - 3 large eggs
• - 1/4 cup sour cream
• - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Crust and Topping:

   - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

   - Add half of the brown sugar (1/8 cup) to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.

   - Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   - Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough begins to come together. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

   - Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

   - Add the remaining brown sugar (1/8 cup) to the reserved crumb mixture, mixing it in to create the crumb topping.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:

   - In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and sour cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Bars:

   - Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

   - Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the lemon filling to create the crumb topping.

5. Bake the Bars:

   - Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the lemon filling is set.

6. Cool and Serve:

   - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Enjoy your Lemon Crumb Bars, a perfect combination of tangy lemon and buttery brown sugar crumb that’s sure to brighten up any dessert table. These bars are a refreshing treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.