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Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon crumb bars feature a vibrant lemon curd layer and buttery shortbread crust.
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These Lemon Crumb Bars are a timeless treat featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a vibrant and tangy lemon filling, and a golden crumb topping. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart with wonderful textural contrast. An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple afternoon treat.

Ingredients

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  • For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Lemon Filling:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) fresh lemon juice (from 4-5 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. Make the crust and crumb mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add cold cubed butter and vanilla. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers to work mixture until it resembles coarse sand and clumps when squeezed.
  3. Reserve about 1 heaping cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are light golden.
  4. While crust bakes, make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar until combined and slightly pale. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Finally, whisk in fresh lemon juice and zest.
  5. Once crust is par-baked, carefully pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Return pan to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until crumb topping is golden and filling is set (it should only jiggle slightly in the center).
  7. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set fully before slicing.

Notes

For clean slices, chilling is crucial. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/lemon-crumb-bars/