Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

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Homemade lemon crumb bars with a crumbly topping and lemon filling on a white plate
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I love recipes that feel like home, and Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are one of my favorites for a bright, sweet treat. I keep this recipe simple and friendly, and I often pair it with other lemon treats like my lemon cream cheese bars recipe when guests come by.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

The Tools That Help

I keep the tools tiny and useful. You need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment, and an oven set to 350°F. For a simple brunch, I also like a small dipping bowl for spreads and a note of savory with a homemade aioli recipe on the side.

The Step-by-Step Process

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
  • Whisk flour, oats, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
  • Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla in another bowl.
  • Mix wet and dry ingredients until they come together.
  • Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping.
  • Press the rest of the mixture firmly into the pan for the crust.
  • Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it sets.
  • While the crust bakes, whisk sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little vanilla until smooth.
  • Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.
  • Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the filling.
  • Bake 17 to 20 minutes until the top turns golden and the filling is set.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

Lighter, Healthier Touches

I swap half the butter for applesauce to cut fat and keep moisture. Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream for fewer calories. Reduce brown sugar by two tablespoons if you like a less sweet bar.

Perfect Pairings

These bars go well with a cup of hot tea or a cold glass of milk. For a lemon-forward meal, try serving them after a light main like baked cod with coconut lemon cream sauce to keep the bright theme.

Common Stumbles to Avoid

Do not slice while warm or the filling will spill and look messy. Press the crust firmly so it holds the filling. Do not overbake or the filling will crack and dry out.

Storing Your Creation

Cool completely before you store. Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze layers between parchment and thaw in the fridge.

A Final Warm Word

I hope Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars bring you a little sunshine. They are easy to make and easy to love, and they make a sweet memory when shared.

Answering Your Questions

Can I make the crust for Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars ahead of time?

You can make the crust ahead and freeze it. Press it into the pan, wrap well, and keep it frozen. Thaw a bit before par-baking.

Why is my Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars filling runny?

If the filling is too runny, bake a few more minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly. It firms as it cools.

Can I use lime instead of lemon in Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars?

Yes, you can use lime instead of lemon. Use the same amount of juice and zest for a bright lime bar.

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homemade lemon crumb bars 2026 01 15 075931 1 Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars

  • Author: sarah
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Bright and sweet lemon crumb bars that are easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
  2. Whisk flour, oats, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
  3. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla in another bowl.
  4. Mix wet and dry ingredients until they come together.
  5. Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping.
  6. Press the rest of the mixture firmly into the pan for the crust.
  7. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it sets.
  8. While the crust bakes, whisk sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little vanilla until smooth.
  9. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust.
  10. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the filling.
  11. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the top turns golden and the filling is set.
  12. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap half the butter for applesauce and use plain yogurt instead of sour cream.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: lemon bars, dessert, easy recipe, sweet treat

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