Bright & Irresistible Lemon Crumb Bars — 9 Zesty Reasons This Buttery Dessert Always Steals the Show

Thank you for being here . There’s something so comforting about crumb bars, especially when lemon is involved. These Lemon Crumb Bars are one of those desserts that feel both nostalgic and fresh — buttery oatmeal crumble on the bottom, a creamy tangy lemon filling in the middle, and more golden crumble on top. Simple, sunny, and completely irresistible.

For clarity (and SEO magic ): Lemon Crumb Bars are dessert bars made with a buttery oatmeal crust and topping, filled with a smooth lemon custard made from sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice.

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Overview of Lemon Crumb Bars

These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, soft and crumbly. They’re ideal for spring gatherings, summer potlucks, bake sales, or anytime you’re craving a bright citrus treat.

Why you’ll love them

• Bold, fresh lemon flavor
• Buttery oatmeal crumb layers
• Creamy, custard-like lemon filling
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Sliceable, shareable, and freezer-friendly

What they taste like

Buttery and slightly chewy oat crumble paired with a smooth, tangy-sweet lemon filling that melts in your mouth. Each bite is bright, rich, and perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

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Oat Crust & Crumble

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats (80 g)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200 g)
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (170 g / 1½ sticks)

Lemon Filling

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Optional Garnish

• Powdered sugar
• Extra lemon zest

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Citrus juicer

Substitutions & Variations

• Use gluten-free flour and GF oats if needed
• Swap lemon for lime for a twist
• Add shredded coconut to the crumb layer
• Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter citrus note

If you love bright, bakery-style desserts, you’ll also enjoy:

• Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake
  https://poulef.com/flourless-almond-lemon-sunshine-cake
• Buttery Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies
  https://poulef.com/raspberry-swirl-shortbread-cookies

Pinterest inspiration https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

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These bars come together quickly — no mixer required.

1. Preheat & Prepare
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crumb Mixture
   In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
   Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly.
3. Form the Base
   Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
4. Bake the Crust
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden.
5. Prepare the Lemon Filling
   Whisk condensed milk, lemon juice, egg yolks, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
6. Assemble
   Pour lemon filling over the warm crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly on top.
7. Bake Again
   Return to oven and bake 22–25 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
8. Cool & Slice
   Cool completely, then refrigerate 1 hour before slicing for clean bars.

What to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

• Hot coffee or iced tea
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Use fresh lemon juice — bottled won’t compare
• Let bars cool fully before cutting
• Line pan for easy removal
• Chill before slicing for sharp edges

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Freeze sliced bars up to 2 months
• Serve: Best chilled or slightly cool

General Information

Crumb bars are a classic American dessert, beloved for their ease and versatility. Lemon versions are especially popular in spring and summer for their bright, refreshing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.

Do these need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the custard-style filling.

Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely — they’re even better the next day.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a sheet pan and extend baking time slightly.

Conclusion

These Lemon Crumb Bars are bright, buttery, and beautifully balanced — the kind of dessert that disappears fast and gets requested often. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is a keeper.

If you loved this, be sure to try my Flourless Almond Lemon Sunshine Cake next — it’s another citrus favorite!

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Bar – Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310
Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugar	24g
Protein	5g
Sodium	180mg

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