Lemon Crumb Bars: A Tangy and Sweet Delight

Introduction

Lemon crumb bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust and topping with a luscious lemon filling in between. Popular for their refreshing taste and comforting texture, they are a favorite among dessert lovers, especially those who enjoy citrus-based treats. Whether served at tea parties, picnics, or as a sweet ending to a meal, lemon crumb bars never fail to impress.

History of Lemon Crumb Bars

The origins of lemon-based desserts trace back centuries, with lemon bars gaining popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century. The concept of crumb toppings is even older, with European influences seen in streusels and crumble-topped pastries. Lemon crumb bars likely evolved as a hybrid between traditional lemon bars and crumb cakes, creating a dessert that is both rich and refreshing.

Ingredients

For the Crust & Crumb Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Crust and Crumb Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
5. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping.

Step 2: Making the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour.
2. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt, whisking until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

1. Pour the lemon filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the filling.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
5. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.

Serving and Storage

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Lovers of Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon crumb bars are adored by people who enjoy citrus desserts, crumbly textures, and refreshing yet indulgent treats. Lovers of classic lemon bars, shortbread, or streusel-topped pastries will find these bars irresistible. They are perfect for:

• Afternoon tea enthusiasts who appreciate a zesty, buttery delight.
• Dessert lovers seeking a balance between tart and sweet.
• Home bakers looking for an easy yet impressive treat to share with family and friends.

Conclusion

Lemon crumb bars are a timeless dessert that blends rich, buttery crumbles with a bright and tangy lemon filling. Their simplicity, combined with their irresistible flavor, makes them a staple for any dessert table. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, as a picnic treat, or as a delightful homemade gift, these bars bring a burst of sunshine to every bite.

Would you like variations of this recipe, such as a gluten-free or vegan version?