Why make this recipe
LEMON CRUMB BARS are a delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. They are sweet, tangy, and have a lovely crumbly texture that makes them a favorite among many. This dessert is perfect for parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They are easy to make and do not require fancy ingredients, making them accessible for anyone to try their hand at baking.
How to make LEMON CRUMB BARS
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
How to serve LEMON CRUMB BARS
LEMON CRUMB BARS can be served as they are or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat. They make a refreshing dessert after any meal or as a mid-afternoon snack.
How to store LEMON CRUMB BARS
To store LEMON CRUMB BARS, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips to make LEMON CRUMB BARS
- Use fresh lemons for the juice and zest to get the best flavor.
- Make sure to soften the butter before mixing it with the other ingredients for an easier blend.
- Don’t overbake the bars; they should be set but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Variation
For a twist on this recipe, you can add some poppy seeds to the lemon mixture for a nice texture, or even mix in some blueberries for a fruity addition. You can also use different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a variation in flavor.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be aware it may not taste as fresh.
Can I freeze LEMON CRUMB BARS?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
What can I do if the bars are too tangy?
If you find the bars too tangy, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice used in the recipe. You can also serve them with whipped cream or ice cream to balance the flavors.

Lemon Crumb Bars
Delightful dessert bars with a burst of citrus flavor and a crumbly texture, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt in a medium bowl until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lemons for juice and zest. Don’t overbake; bars should be set but slightly soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: lemon dessert, crumb bars, citrus dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert
