Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a tangy, silky lemon filling that will transport you to citrus paradise. These Easy Lemon Crumble Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that promises to brighten your day and impress everyone at your gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you'll create a show-stopping treat that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Pour in melted butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, uniform base.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, 1/4 cup flour, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares.
- Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant, authentic flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat and less bright.
- Make sure your butter is fully melted but not hot when mixing the crust to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares that hold their shape.
- For an extra touch of elegance, zest some lemon over the bars before serving to enhance the citrus aroma.
- If you prefer a less tart dessert, you can reduce the lemon juice slightly or add a bit more sugar to balance the acidity.
- Use parchment paper overhang as a foolproof method for easy removal and clean cutting of your bars.
- Store in the refrigerator to maintain the bars' texture and freshness, and they'll keep well for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
