Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars
These lemon crumb bars offer a delightful balance of tart lemon flavor with a crumbly texture, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour Structure
- ½ cup granulated sugar Sweetness
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar Moisture and depth
- ¾ teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder Leavening agent
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled Richness
For the filling
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk Creaminess
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature Binding
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream Richness
- ⅛ teaspoon salt Flavor balance
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons) Tart flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan, ensuring the bottom and sides are well-coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until well blended.
- Pour the melted and cooled unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles a crumbly, moist mixture.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of the greased baking pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Filling Preparation
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and additional salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually incorporate the fresh lemon juice into the mixture, whisking until fully blended.
Assembly
- Once the crust has baked, carefully pour the lemon filling over it and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the lemon filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is slightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.
Notes
Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when cut.