Go Back
lemon crumb bars

Lemon Crumb Bars

Tangy lemon crumb bars with buttery shortbread crust. Easy dessert recipe with bright citrus flavor and crumbly topping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine amercian
Servings 9
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crust/Crumble:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Filling:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest from about 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Press crust into the pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Bake the crust: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  • Make the lemon filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, baking powder, and salt.
  • Pour filling over crust: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
  • Make the crumble topping: In the same bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle crumble over filling: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the lemon filling.
  • Bake the assembled bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
  • Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
  • Lift and slice: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve!

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling.