Zesty Citrus Delights: A Tangy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Zesty and bright, these homemade lemon crumb bars promise a delightful burst of citrusy flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Soft, buttery layers combine with a crumbly streusel topping that adds delectable texture to every bite.

The perfect balance of sweet and tart creates an irresistible dessert that makes people swoon.

Rich shortbread-like crust provides a sturdy foundation for the silky smooth lemon filling.

Each square delivers a sunshine-kissed treat that feels like a warm hug from your favorite bakery.

The simple ingredients and straightforward technique ensure you can whip up these bars with ease.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the brown sugar coating unique?

The brown sugar coating combines smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper, creating a sweet and spicy flavor profile that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I prepare these bacon-wrapped tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders and coat them with the sugar mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

• What if I don't have a wire rack for baking?

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the chicken tenders directly on a lined baking sheet, but they might not crisp as evenly and may need to be flipped halfway through cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 438 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything That Goes Into Lemon Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bar base, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel notes and helps create a delightful crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the golden color of the bars.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, airy texture.

• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky base and adds luxurious moisture to the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, zesty citrus notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness and helps balance the sweetness of the bars.

Tools You’ll Need for Lemon Crumb Bars

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for creating the base and layering the bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps line the pan for easy removal and clean-up.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter and scrape mixture evenly.
• Cooling rack: Allows bars to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting clean, precise bar portions.

How to Layer and Bake Lemon Crumb Bars

• Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

• Create the Crumbly Crust

Mix flour, sugar, and butter in a large bowl until the mixture becomes a soft, crumbly texture. Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the prepared pan to form the base.

• Whip Up the Lemony Filling

Combine eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and flour in a separate bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Pour this zesty mixture evenly over the crust.

• Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon layer. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden and the filling sets.

• Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper edges and cut into neat squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Flavor-Boosting Tips for Lemon Crumb Bars

• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
• Use thin-cut bacon for faster, more even cooking and guaranteed crispiness around the chicken.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Replace brown sugar coating with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or omit sugar for a keto-friendly version.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to personalize heat intensity – start with a pinch for mild flavor or increase for serious spice lovers.
• Prepare and wrap chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.

Serving Lemon Crumb Bars With Flair

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these tangy lemon crumb bars with freshly brewed coffee or a light chamomile tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the bars with powdered sugar and garnish with thin lemon slices or fresh mint leaves to elevate the presentation and add a pop of color.
• Complementary Side Treats: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the zesty lemon flavor and provide a creamy contrast to the crumbly texture.
• Party Presentation: Cut the bars into small, bite-sized squares for easy sharing at potlucks, afternoon tea gatherings, or casual summer celebrations, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert option.

How to Keep Lemon Crumb Bars Fresh

• Store lemon crumb bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze successfully for 2-3 months without losing quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Leave bars at ambient temperature for 2-3 hours maximum. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that might compromise their delicate crumb structure.
• Place a paper towel inside storage container to absorb excess moisture. This trick helps maintain the crisp edges and prevents soggy bottoms, keeping bars fresh and delightful.

Tangy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crumb bars blend tangy citrus with buttery shortbread for a delightful dessert. Rich crumb layers promise a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 8 slices bacon
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep Foundation: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring smooth coverage and slight overhang for effortless removal.
2. Craft Crumb Base: Blend flour, sugar, and salt, then integrate cold butter until mixture resembles coarse, textured crumbs. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the pan, creating a solid, compact foundation.
3. Construct Lemon Filling: Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and juice until silky smooth, eliminating any potential lumps. Gently cascade the vibrant citrus mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring uniform distribution.
4. Apply Crumb Topping: Generously scatter the remaining crumb mixture across the lemon filling, creating a rustic, textured landscape that promises delightful crunch and visual intrigue.
5. Bake and Transform: Position the pan in a preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bars are ready when edges turn golden and the center maintains a subtle, seductive jiggle when nudged.
6. Cool and Set: Allow the bars to rest at room temperature, enabling the filling to firm and stabilize. The cooling process is crucial for achieving perfect texture and clean-cut presentation.
7. Finish and Serve: Extract the bars using parchment paper, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into precise squares. Delicately dust with powdered sugar, adding a whisper of sweetness and elegant finale to these zesty, crumbly delights.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Tip: Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator for the crumb mixture to achieve a perfectly flaky, crumbly texture that doesn’t become greasy.
• Zest Technique: Grate lemon zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, focusing only on the bright yellow outer layer for maximum citrus flavor intensity.
• Baking Precision: Check doneness by looking for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center – this ensures the bars remain moist and won’t become dry or overcooked.
• Cutting Trick: Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, sharp edges that look professionally prepared.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg