Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars (Print)

Zesty lemon filling and golden, buttery crumbs create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, melting in your mouth with every bite.

# Components:

→ Crust and Crumb Topping

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→ Lemon Filling

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→ Optional Serving

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# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
03 - Pour melted butter into the dry mixture. Stir until moist and crumbly throughout.
04 - Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
05 - Bake crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
06 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and 1 cup sugar until well combined.
07 - Add lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
08 - Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust.
09 - Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
10 - Return to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until filling is set and topping is lightly browned.
11 - Cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 1 additional hour before slicing.
12 - Slice into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

# Expert Advice:

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  • The contrast between the tart, silky lemon filling and that buttery crumble is honestly perfection in every bite
  • They come together faster than you would think, but taste like you spent all afternoon baking something fancy
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  • These absolutely must chill completely before cutting, or you will end up with lemon soup instead of bars
  • Pouring the filling over a hot crust helps it start cooking immediately and creates that perfect layered texture
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  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily and give you a smoother, more uniform filling
  • Zest your lemons before cutting them open to juice, it is so much easier to handle when the fruit is still whole
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