Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that features a tangy lemon filling nestled between a buttery crumb crust and topping. These bars are refreshing and perfect for any occasion, offering a bright citrus flavor that is sure to please.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Timing

Making Lemon Crumb Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press into Pan: Reserve about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. Whisk Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour Over Crust: Pour the lemon filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan.

Step 3: Add the Topping

1. Sprinkle Reserved Crumbs: Take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the lemon filling.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
2. Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy these refreshing lemon crumb bars!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Crumb Bars (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Add Berries: Incorporate fresh blueberries or raspberries into the lemon filling for added flavor and color.
• Use Different Citrus: Substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars are a deliciously tangy and sweet dessert that perfectly balances flavors and textures. Their bright lemon flavor and crumbly crust make them a refreshing treat for any occasion. Enjoy this easy and delightful recipe!