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To make the best lemon crumb bars, gather these key ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup powdered sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 large egg - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large lemons (zest and juice) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and tart treat. The lemons give a bright flavor, while the butter adds richness. You can switch things up with a few optional ingredients: - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth - Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added flavor - Coconut flakes for a tropical twist These options let you get creative. Experiment to find your favorite combination! To make these lemon crumb bars, you will need: - An 8x8 inch baking dish - A mixing bowl - A whisk - A knife for cutting - Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup) Having the right tools makes the process easier and more fun. With this equipment, you’ll be ready to bake and enjoy! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a nice, even bake. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well. Now, add ½ cup softened unsalted butter. Mix until it looks like coarse sand. Take about ½ cup of this crumb mixture and set it aside for later. Press the rest of the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish. Make sure it's even and compact. Bake this crust for 15 minutes. Look for a light golden color. Once done, remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly while you work on the lemon filling. In a clean bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, the zest and juice of 2 large lemons, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your bars, so make it nice! Pour this mixture evenly over your slightly cooled crust. Make sure it covers every bit. Now, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the filling. This will create a lovely crumble once baked. Now it’s time to bake again! Place the dish back into the oven. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a set filling and a golden brown top. When it’s done, remove it from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, slice your bars with a sharp knife. You can dust them with powdered sugar if you like. Enjoy your delicious lemon crumb bars! For the full recipe, check the section above. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Their zest adds a nice zing. Make sure your butter is soft. This helps blend well with the other ingredients. Don’t skip preheating the oven. It ensures even baking. Let the crust cool a bit before adding the filling. This keeps the crust crisp. When adding the lemon filling, spread it evenly. This helps each bar bake perfectly. One common mistake is overmixing the crust. Mix just until crumbly. If you bake too long, the filling can get dry. Check for a light golden top. Avoid using old baking powder. Fresh ingredients lead to better results. If you rush cooling, the bars may crumble. Give them time to set well in the pan. Serve your lemon crumb bars chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Pair them with fresh berries for extra flavor. A dollop of whipped cream makes a lovely addition. Consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It adds creaminess to the tangy bars. For a fun twist, try adding mint leaves as garnish. This adds color and a fresh taste. {{image_2}} You can add fruits to your lemon crumb bars for a twist. Consider using fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits pair well with the tartness of lemon. You can also experiment with other flavors. Try adding a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla. A hint of coconut can bring a tropical vibe to the bars. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in baking. Look for one that includes xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You can make the crust and filling just like the traditional recipe. The taste will be just as delightful! Want to make these bars vegan? Replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Also, use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This keeps the same creamy texture while making it plant-based. You can still enjoy the zesty flavor and crumbly texture. These variations allow you to enjoy lemon crumb bars in many ways. Each twist brings a new and exciting flavor to this classic treat! To keep your lemon crumb bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking. If you have extra bars, you can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Lemon crumb bars can last for about four to five days at room temperature. They can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep them from drying out. The taste remains fresh, and the filling stays zesty this way. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To cut lemon crumb bars, first, let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. I recommend using a ruler for even slices. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep edges clean. This makes each piece look nice and neat. Yes, you can make lemon crumb bars ahead of time. They taste great after resting for a few hours. For the best flavor, I suggest making them the day before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to, you can also refrigerate them. Just bring them back to room temp before serving. You will know the lemon crumb bars are done when the top is golden brown. The filling should also look set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it has some filling, bake for a few more minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. You learned about the key ingredients and steps needed to make lemon crumb bars. These treats are simple and tasty, with options for all diets. Use tips to avoid mistakes and serve them like a pro. I hope you feel ready to bake. Don’t forget to store them right to keep the flavor fresh. Enjoy making your bars and experiment with flavors. You'll impress everyone with your skills. Happy baking!

Lemon Crumb Bars

Indulge in the tangy goodness of Lemon Crumb Bars with this delightful and easy recipe! Perfectly balancing sweet and tart, these soft, buttery bars are bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Whether you're hosting a gathering or treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Get ready to bake something delicious and explore step-by-step instructions in the full recipe. Click through to discover how easy it is to create this zesty dessert!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large lemons (zest and juice)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.

      Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly, resembling coarse sand.

        Reserve about ½ cup of the crumb mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.

          Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

            In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.

              Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.

                Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the lemon filling.

                  Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

                    Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

                      Once cooled, use a knife to slice into bars. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired before serving.

                        Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 16 bars