# Brighten Your Day with Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars
When life gives you lemons, it’s definitely time to bake something delicious—and these Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect sweet-and-tangy treat to make the most of those zesty citrus fruits. Combining a buttery oat crust with a luscious lemon filling and topped with crumbly goodness, these bars offer a sunny burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a fresh dessert to impress guests or a cheerful snack to brighten your afternoon, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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## Ingredients You’ll Need
### Oat Crust:
– 1 cup (80 g) quick-cooking oats
– 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
– ÂĽ teaspoon baking soda
– ÂĽ teaspoon baking powder
– Âľ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
### Lemon Filling:
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– ½ cup (115 g) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– â…› teaspoon kosher salt
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## Let’s Get Baking! Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup easier and ensures your bars lift out perfectly.
### 2. Mix the Oat Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir gently until crumbly. Be careful not to overmix—the texture should remain lumpy and crumbly, not dough-like.
### 3. Form the Base
Measure out about half of the oat mixture (roughly 2 cups) and set it aside for topping later. Press the remaining half firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust layer.
### 4. Bake the Crust
Pop the crust into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it’s a lovely golden brown. Once baked, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
### 5. Whip Up the Lemon Filling
In a clean bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, egg yolks, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy—this citrusy custard is what makes these bars irresistibly tangy.
### 6. Assemble and Bake Again
Pour the lemon filling evenly over your warm oat crust. Then crumble the reserved oat mixture on top, distributing it evenly for that perfect crumbly finish.
### 7. Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the filling is set.
### 8. Chill and Serve
Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let them fully set. This chilling step is key for achieving the perfect, sliceable texture.
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## Quick Tips for Success
– **Use fresh lemons for the best flavor!** The brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest elevates the filling beyond canned or bottled options.
– **Don’t skip chilling.** While it’s tempting to dig in right away, chilling helps the filling to firm up for clean, beautiful slices.
– **Experiment with zest.** Try adding a bit of orange or lime zest along with lemon zest for a citrus medley twist.
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## Timing Breakdown
– **Prep Time:** 30 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 25 minutes
– **Chilling Time:** 1 hour
– **Total Time:** Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes
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## Final Thoughts
These Lemon Crumb Bars are a harmonious blend of textures and flavors—from the oaty, buttery crumb crust to the tart, creamy lemon filling, finished with a satisfyingly crumbly topping. They’re perfect for potlucks, afternoon tea, or just treating yourself to a slice of sunshine. Give this recipe a try and brighten your baking day the zesty way!
