Looking for a delightful summer treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? Dive into the world of Lemon Crumb Bars! These bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, offering a refreshing and indulgent experience in every bite.
I remember a scorching hot day when these Lemon Crumb Bars rescued me from the heatwave. With my air conditioner malfunctioning and a strong desire for something cooling, I revisited my grandma’s treasured recipe box. Among her classic recipes, I stumbled upon this gem. As I took a bite, I was instantly transported back to her cozy kitchen, reminiscing about the moments we shared zesting lemons under the warm sunlight.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crumb Bars
– The Perfect Balance: A harmonious mix of sweetness and tanginess that tantalizes your taste buds without overwhelming them.
– Simplicity at Its Best: Easy-to-follow steps that make these bars a breeze to whip up, even in the midst of a busy day.
– Lemon Excellence: Emphasis on fresh lemon juice for a burst of natural flavors, elevating every bite.
– Chilling Necessity: Patience in refrigeration results in perfectly melded flavors, ensuring a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
– For the Crust :
– 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– For the Lemon Filling :
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
– 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
– Step 1: Prepare the Crust: Mix the dry ingredients and melted butter until crumbly. Press most of the mixture into a baking pan for the crust.
– Step 2: Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
– Step 3: Create the Lemon Filling: Whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, cream, and salt. Gradually add the lemon juice while whisking until smooth.
– Step 4: Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust, sprinkle the remaining crumb on top, and bake until golden.
Storage Options
To ensure the best taste and texture, store Lemon Crumb Bars in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer preservation. When reheating, briefly warm them in the oven to regain their fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
Variations and Substitutions
– Lemony Twist: Enhance the crumb with added lemon zest for an extra citrusy kick.
– Blueberry Bliss: Incorporate blueberries into the filling for a fruity surprise.
– Glamorous Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze over the bars for an elegant touch.
What to Serve With Lemon Crumb Bars
While these bars shine on their own, consider pairing them with:
– A dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
– A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful frozen treat.
– A cup of earl grey tea for a sophisticated tea-time experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk?: Alternatives like evaporated milk or a combination of sugar and milk can be used, but the texture and flavor may vary.
– How long do Lemon Crumb Bars last?: Properly stored, these bars can stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
– Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?: Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months when tightly wrapped.
Indulge in the tantalizing symphony of sweet and tangy flavors as you savor the Lemon Crumb Bars. Each bite offers a refreshing burst of citrus balanced by the delicate sweetness of the crumbly base, creating a culinary delight that evokes visions of sunny days and warm gatherings.
Lemon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice about 4-5 lemons
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix the dry ingredients and melted butter until crumbly. Press most of the mixture into a baking pan for the crust.
- Step 2: Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Create the Lemon Filling
- Whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, cream, and salt. Gradually add the lemon juice while whisking until smooth.
- Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust, sprinkle the remaining crumb on top, and bake until golden.