Lemon Crumb Bars
These Lemon Crumb Bars blend buttery oat crust with a zesty, creamy lemon filling—easy to make and impossible to forget. A nostalgic dessert with a bright twist, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- 9x9-inch Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
Oat Crust
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Lemon Filling
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 3 lemons
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, egg yolks, zest, and salt until smooth and glossy.
- Pour lemon filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Notes
Chill fully before slicing for clean edges. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. These bars freeze well and taste even better the next day.