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To make these tasty lemon crumb bars, gather the following: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) These measurements work well, but you can make swaps if needed. For gluten-free, use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can swap the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweet taste. If you want a lighter flavor, you can use less lemon juice. For a richer taste, add more butter to the crust. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes the bars look fancy. You can also add fresh lemon slices or berries on the side for color. Mint leaves add a nice touch, too. These garnishes make the dish pop and impress your guests. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to create these delicious bars! To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. This step helps with easy removal later. Next, in a mixing bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. It should blend well. Slowly pour in the melted butter. Stir until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mix for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the extra 1/4 cup of flour to this mix and stir until smooth. Pour this lemon mixture over the crust in your pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the lemon filling. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to turn a light golden color and feel set when you touch it. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This cooling time is key for cutting into neat bars. After it cools, you can dust the top lightly with powdered sugar if you wish. For an attractive presentation, serve the lemon crumb bars on a nice platter. Add lemon slices for garnish. The fresh look will make anyone excited to dig in! You can find the full recipe above to guide you through every step. When making lemon crumb bars, a few mistakes can ruin your treat. First, don’t skip the zest. It adds a punch. Second, measure your ingredients carefully. Too much flour can make them dry. Third, don’t rush the cooling time. Chilling helps the bars set well. To get the best lemon taste, use fresh lemons. Bottled juice lacks the bright flavor you want. Zest the lemon before juicing. The zest has oils that give rich flavor. Taste your lemon juice before adding it. If it's too tart, balance it with a bit more sugar. Having the right tools makes the process easy. Use a 9x9-inch baking pan for even baking. A whisk helps combine the lemon filling smoothly. I recommend a good microplane for zesting. Also, parchment paper makes removal easier. You will find these tools useful for the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make these bars gluten-free! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well in baked goods. This change keeps the texture light and crumbly. It’s a simple switch that makes a big difference. The taste remains bright and zesty, so you won't miss the gluten. To make vegan lemon crumb bars, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. The lemon flavor shines through, and the texture stays rich and creamy. Want to mix it up? You can add other fruits! Try using raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist. Just fold in one cup of fresh or frozen berries into the lemon filling. This adds color and a burst of flavor that pairs well with lemon. You can also use lime juice and zest for a tropical feel. Each variation gives you a new way to enjoy these crumb bars! For the full recipe, click here! To keep your lemon crumb bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They stay best at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, the fridge is a good option. Just remember to seal them well. Freezing lemon crumb bars is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you like your lemon crumb bars warm, reheating is simple. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F and heat for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy them fresh from the oven! Yes, you can make Lemon Crumb Bars ahead of time. They taste great after a day in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix well. Just store them in an airtight container. Keep them chilled until you are ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings. If your Lemon Crumb Bars taste too tart, you may have used too much lemon juice. Fresh lemons can vary in tartness. To balance the flavor, add a little more sugar next time. You can also reduce the lemon juice slightly. Taste the filling before baking to adjust it as needed. Lemon Crumb Bars can last about 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh and tasty when stored properly. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap them well and store for up to three months. Enjoy them any time you crave a sweet treat! To make great Lemon Crumb Bars, remember the key steps. First, gather fresh ingredients and follow the measurements. Pay close attention to your baking and cooling process for the best results. Avoid common mistakes to enhance that zesty flavor. You can also try variations like gluten-free or vegan options. Store them properly to keep them fresh longer. Enjoy your lemon bars and share them with friends. With practice, you'll perfect your recipe!

Lemon Crumb Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious Lemon Crumb Bars, the perfect zesty dessert for any occasion! This simple and tasty recipe will brighten your day with its fresh lemon flavor and crumbly texture. Learn how to create these delightful bars with easy-to-follow steps, storage tips, and customization ideas that suit your tastes. Ready to bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table? Click to explore the full recipe and get baking!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.

      Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup for the topping and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

        In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the additional 1/4 cup of flour until smooth.

          Pour the lemon mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

            Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the lemon filling.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.

                  Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the lemon crumb bars on a decorative platter, with lemon slices as garnish, and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. 🍋