Lemon Crumb Bars are a deliciously tangy dessert that’s perfect for any gathering! They’re easy to make, SO delicious, and will be a family favorite in no time!

Is there anything better than the perfect blend of a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon filling, finished with a golden crumble topping?

I seriously don’t think there is! It’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite!

With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up these bars!

This lemon crumb bar has a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling are a match made in heaven.

Plus they’re great for picnics, parties, or a cozy night in.

Watch these lemon crumble squares quickly disappear at any gathering! They’re a real crowd pleaser!

And the contrast between the creamy lemon filling and the crumb topping? It’s divine!

What Ingredients Are in Lemon Crumb Bars?

This delicious dessert uses simple ingredients and makes the best lemon crumble bars!

All-purpose flour: The base of our crust and crumb topping.
Rolled oats: I really like the texture this gives to the crust.
Salt & Baking soda: These help with both taste and texture.
White and Brown sugar: For sweetness and some delicious molasses flavor.
Butter: Melted for a rich, smooth crust.
Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract whenever possible.
Sweetened condensed milk: For a creamy, sweet lemon filling.
Lemon zest & Juice: Can’t go wrong with that zesty lemon flavor!
Egg yolks: Thicken the filling for a creamy texture.
Lemon extract: For an extra lemon punch.

Pro Tips:

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
Bottled lemon juice holds nothing on fresh lemons.
For a richer crust, opt for unsalted butter.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

These traditional lemon bars are super delicious! Here’s how to make them:

Prepare the Crust: Combine dry ingredients and mix with melted butter and vanilla.
Bake the Base: Press half the mixture into a baking dish and bake until set.
Mix the Filling: Whisk together the creamy filling ingredients.
Assemble: Pour lemon filling mixture over baked crust, top with the rest of the crust mixture.
Bake Again: Until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let it cool, then chill before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips:

Press the crust firmly into the pan for an even layer.
Let the bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating for the best results.

How to Store Leftover Lemon Crumb Bars

Leftovers of your lemon desserts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week.

Be sure to always keep a lid on them so they don’t absorb any other flavors from the fridge. Yuck.

Also, if you leave them sitting out on the counter, they’ll go bad faster.

Can You Freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?

Yes, you can freeze this lemon crumb bars recipe.

Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Don’t forget to write the name and date you froze them. Then they won’t get lost in the freezer.

Can I Use Other Juice to Make Lemon Crumb Bars?

You can definitely use other juice to make these creamy lemon crumb squares!

While lemon is classic, you can totally experiment.

Try lime juice or even a mix of citrus juices for a different twist.

Let me know what your favorite one is if you try lots of them!

When to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

Serve these easy lemon crumb bars at brunches, picnics, parties, or as a delightful after-dinner treat.

They’re perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all!

Late night snacking? That too! I won’t judge!

In fact I’ll go grab one from my fridge right now so you don’t feel so alone!

What to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

Pair this easy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoy them on their own.

And if you’re looking for some other desserts to add to your dessert table, try these:

Can Dogs Eat Lemon Crumb Bars?

No, dogs should not eat creamy lemon bars!

The lemon and sugar content can be pretty harmful for them.

Actually, that goes for almost every human dessert you can think of.

If it doesn’t come packaged for dogs and it’s a treat? Then you probably shouldn’t feed it to your pup.

Are Lemon Crumb Bars Gluten-Free?

No, this recipe for classic lemon bars is not gluten-free.

The all-purpose flour and oats both contain gluten actually.

However, you can substitute with gluten-free alternatives to cater to dietary needs.

Things like gluten-free flour will usually work to substitute. They have 1-1 ratio flours available.

And with the oats, just buy the gluten free ones. Simple as that!

Additional Lemon Recipes You’ll Love…

Lemon crumb bars are a perfect treat for anyone who loves a good mix of sweet and tart. They’re simple to make and even easier to love.

So, why not give this recipe a try and add a little zest to your dessert game? Enjoy!

Yield: 12 Bars

Lemon Creme Crumb Bars

Name: Lemon Creme Crumb Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3/4 cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 Tablespoon lemon zest; 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 large egg yolks; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

These Lemon Crumb Bars are easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. A delightful blend of tangy lemon and buttery crumbs.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Inactive Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350*F.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, salt and baking soda.
Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar and mix until no clumps of sugar remain.
Stir vanilla into melted butter and pour mixture over dry ingredients.
Using a spoon, stir mixture until evenly moistened.
Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 8 by 8-inch baking dish and gently press into an even layer.
Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and set aside (leaving oven heated at 350*F).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolks, salt and lemon extract until well blended.
Pour mixture over crumb crust in baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle top evenly with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake in preheated oven 23 - 26 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature, once cool cover and refrigerate 30 minutes - 1 hour, then remove and cut into squares.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 273mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 4g

Originally Posted: July 18, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: May 1, 2024