Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe: Bright & Buttery Summer Treats

Crisp summer afternoons call for a delightful lemon crumb bars treat that dances between sweet and tangy.

Buttery shortbread melts into zesty citrus notes, creating a dessert that feels like pure sunshine.

My grandmother’s secret recipe whispers memories of lazy backyard gatherings.

Each tender crumb carries a bright, refreshing essence that makes taste buds sing with joy.

Delicate layers of crumbly goodness promise a delectable experience that surprises and delights.

Baking these bars connects moments of simple pleasure with incredible flavor.

We know you’ll fall in love with every single bite.

Lemon Crumb Bars That Crumble Just Right

• Bacon-wrapped chicken tenders that deliver mouthwatering flavor in under 40 minutes.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile spice blend allows adjusting heat levels and experimenting with different seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Crispy, sweet, and savory combination appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or party appetizer that everyone will love.

Key Ingredients for Making Lemon Crumb Bars

• Flour, Sugar: Classic baking foundation for tender and sweet bars.
• Butter: Creates rich, crumbly texture and adds delicious flavor.
• Lemon: Provides bright, zesty citrus taste and refreshing tang.

Notes: Choose fresh, firm lemons with smooth skin for best flavor.

Zesting and juicing will help maximize lemon’s potential.

Organic lemons recommended for most intense flavor.

Avoid using bottled lemon juice for authentic taste.

• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crispy crumb texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Notes: Use granulated sugars for consistent mixing and texture.

• Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complementary background flavor.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, tender texture with gentle rise.

Notes: Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.

Choose fresh baking powder for maximum rising potential.

Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.

Bake Your Lemon Crumb Bars with These Instructions

Step 1: Create Buttery Crust

Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers to blend ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. Press the mixture firmly into a greased baking pan, creating an even layer that covers the entire bottom surface.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Lemon Filling

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Flour
• Baking powder

Stir ingredients until smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Pour the lemon filling directly over the prepared crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly across the top, creating a delightful golden-brown topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated oven. Bake until the edges turn golden and the center sets completely. The top should have a light golden color with slight crumbling texture.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature. This helps the bars set and makes cutting easier. Slice into square or rectangular pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer bars to a serving plate. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. These bars are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.

Tips to Keep Lemon Crumb Bars Soft Yet Crunchy

• Customize Coating Intensity: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper to match your heat preference.
• Prevent Burning Bacon: Use a wire rack to elevate chicken tenders, allowing excess fat to drip and bacon to crisp evenly without sticking.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or brown sugar to create a more complex taste profile.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare bacon-wrapped tenders in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Reheat and Store Lemon Crumb Bars the Right Way

• Store leftover lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crisp texture.
• Warm bars briefly in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness and fresh-baked taste.

Drinks and Treats That Match Lemon Crumb Bars

• Crafting Delightful Flavor Companions
• Mix fresh lemonade with sparkling water and a splash of mint, perfectly complementing the zesty lemon bar's bright flavors.
• Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, balancing the tangy lemon with smooth, rich sweetness.
• Brew a light chamomile or Earl Grey tea to softly enhance the dessert's delicate lemon notes without overwhelming the palate.
• Top bars with fresh raspberries or blueberries, adding a vibrant color contrast and natural tartness that echoes the lemon's zinginess.

Change Up the Flavor of Lemon Crumb Bars Easily

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly bars. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Select plant-based alternatives that maintain similar texture and richness in the crumb bars.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Incorporate fresh lemon zest to enhance natural sweetness without adding extra calories.
• Vegan Adaptation: Create egg-free base using flax egg or chia seed mixture. Swap butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk for moisture and binding.

Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crumb bars bring Mediterranean sunshine to classic dessert bars, melding tangy citrus with buttery crumble. Sweet-tart layers promise rich flavor that will delight anyone craving a refreshing summer treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
• 8 slices bacon

Seasonings:

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal. Ensure the paper is smoothly pressed against the pan’s interior surfaces.
2. Create the buttery crust mixture by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
3. Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer. Reserve the remaining crumbs for the topping.
4. Prepare the lemon filling by whisking together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and well-integrated. Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture.
5. Carefully pour the bright, tangy lemon mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula to distribute the filling uniformly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon filling, creating a rustic, textured topping that will provide delightful crunch and visual appeal.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center appears set but slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. This resting period helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier.
9. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for precise edges.
10. Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving, which adds a delicate sweetness and elegant finishing touch to these zesty, crumbly treats.

Notes

• Zesty Lemon Enhancement: Add fresh lemon zest to the crumb mixture for an extra bright citrusy punch that elevates the entire dessert’s flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring same delicious texture.
• Storage and Freshness: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain optimal moisture and crumb consistency.
• Customization Options: Experiment with different citrus variations like orange or lime zest to create unique flavor twists on the classic lemon crumb bar recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 438
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 897 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg