Lemon Crumble Bars
Introduction
These lemon crumble bars are the perfect combination of textures and flavors—a buttery shortbread base, a smooth and tangy lemon filling, and a golden, crisp crumble topping. Bright, refreshing, and easy to cut into neat squares, they’re ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 large egg yolk
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crumble Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and work it in using your fingers or a pastry cutter until you get a crumbly texture. Stir in vanilla.
Bake the Base
Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, zest, and egg yolk until smooth.
Assemble
Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly on top.
Final Bake
Bake again for 20–25 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden.
Cool and Chill
Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean squares.
How to Make
The secret to perfect bars is balance—don’t overbake the crust before adding the filling, and allow enough chilling time so the lemon layer sets properly.
The cold butter in the crumble ensures a tender, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Variations & Tips
Extra Tangy Flavor
Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for more zing.
Berry Twist
Add raspberries or blueberries before the crumble topping for a fruity variation.
Storage
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months if needed.
Nutrition (Per Bar)
Calories: 245 kcal
Total Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Conclusion
These lemon crumble bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy with a satisfying crunch. Whether for a gathering or a simple treat at home, they’re guaranteed to impress with both flavor and presentation.
