If you’re looking for a dessert that balances the richness of creamy lemon filling with a satisfyingly crunchy oatmeal crust, Easy Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars are the answer. These bars combine the tartness of fresh lemon with a sweet, buttery oatmeal crust and crumble topping, creating the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or as an afternoon snack, these bars are easy to make and bursting with bright flavors.

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The Inspiration Behind Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

Lemon bars are a classic favorite, but adding an oatmeal crust brings a whole new dimension of flavor and texture. The combination of crunchy, slightly sweet oats with a rich, creamy lemon filling creates a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. These bars have the perfect balance of tartness from the lemon and sweetness from the oatmeal crumble, making them a delightful addition to your dessert rotation.

Why Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars Will Become Your New Favorite Dessert

• Easy to make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these bars come together quickly and effortlessly.
• Bright and fresh: The lemon zest and juice bring a fresh, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the creamy filling.
• Texture perfection: The oatmeal crust and topping add a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth, creamy lemon filling.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for your family, these bars are easy to slice and share.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 21g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars are versatile and perfect for any setting:

• Brunch dessert: Serve them alongside other citrus desserts for a fresh, summery treat at a brunch.
• Afternoon tea: These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, especially Earl Grey or chamomile.
• Picnic or potluck: Pack these bars for an outdoor gathering or potluck—they’re easy to transport and even easier to enjoy.
• Weekday treat: Enjoy as an indulgent afternoon snack or a light dessert after dinner.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

These lemon bars store well, making them perfect for preparing in advance:

• Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay fresh and firm.
• Freeze: You can freeze the bars (before cutting) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Serve chilled or room temperature: These bars can be served straight from the fridge for a cool treat, or allow them to come to room temperature for a softer texture.

Fun Fact: The History of Lemon Desserts

Lemon desserts have been popular for centuries, dating back to medieval times when lemons were first used in sweet treats. The combination of sugar and lemon creates a balance of sweet and sour that has remained popular in cakes, tarts, and bars like these. Today, lemon bars are a beloved dessert worldwide, appreciated for their refreshing, tangy flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest. The brightness of fresh lemons makes all the difference in the filling.
• Don’t skip the oats: The rolled oats in the crust and topping give the bars their signature texture, adding a chewy, hearty bite to the rich lemon filling.
• Press the crust firmly: Be sure to press the oatmeal crust firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the lemon filling.

Optional Variations

• Add coconut: Mix in shredded coconut to the oatmeal crust and topping for a tropical twist.
• Nuts for crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble topping for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Lime twist: Swap out the lemon for lime juice and zest to create a zesty lime version of these bars.

Drink Pairings

• Alcoholic: Pair with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a citrus-infused cocktail like a lemon martini for a refreshing contrast.
• Non-Alcoholic: Enjoy with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold glass of milk for a simple and satisfying combination.

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Easy Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the oatmeal crust and topping:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups rolled oats
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the lemon filling:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust and topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, salt, baking soda, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until well combined and crumbly.
3. Press the crust: Press about ⅔ of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Set aside the remaining ⅓ of the mixture for the topping.
4. Make the lemon filling: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
5. Assemble the bars: Pour the lemon filling over the pressed oatmeal crust, spreading it evenly. Crumble the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top of the lemon filling.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
7. Chill and slice: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan for easy slicing.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars combine the best of sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors into one delightful dessert. With a buttery oatmeal crust and a creamy, tangy lemon filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these bars are sure to impress with their bright flavors and satisfying texture.