Lemon Crumb Bars
These Lemon Crumb Bars feature a creamy, tangy lemon filling layered between a buttery brown sugar oat crust and a golden crumble topping. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for spring gatherings, bake sales, or anytime you crave a citrusy treat with a soft crunch.
Servings: 12
Calories: 299kcal
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Spray with nonstick spray.
Make the Crust & Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined (about 1 minute).
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well blended.
Form the Crust
- Set aside about 3/4 cup of the dough for the topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Lemon Filling
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
Assemble & Bake
- Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and gently spread it out evenly.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the top.
- Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
Cool & Serve
- Place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely.
- Once cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These bars can be made a day in advance and chilled overnight for best texture.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
You can substitute the oats with crushed graham crackers for a different crust texture