Lemon Cream Crumb Bars

Lemon Cream Crumb Bars

These lemon cream crumb bars are buttery, creamy, and packed with bright lemon flavor. They feature a soft crust, a smooth lemon filling, and a golden crumb topping that melts in your mouth. Perfect for potlucks, spring desserts, or an easy make-ahead treat.

Ingredients

For the Crust & Crumble

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 egg

For the Lemon Filling

• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg and mix until coarse crumbs form.
5. Press half the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan.
6. Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
7. In another bowl, whisk condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
8. Pour lemon mixture over the warm crust.
9. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until top is lightly golden.
11. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Chill for cleaner cuts.

Q&A

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?

A: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

Q: How should I store these bars?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze them?

A: Yes. Freeze the bars in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add fruit?

A: Absolutely. Blueberries or raspberries pair wonderfully with the lemon filling.

Q: Why are my bars runny?

A: They may need more baking time or additional chilling time before cutting.