Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars — bright, tangy, and irresistibly buttery with a golden crumble topping and a citrusy punch in every soft, sweet bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh lemon flavor
Perfect balance of sweet and tart

Easy to make with pantry staples
Great for spring and summer events
Bars hold their shape well for easy serving

Buttery shortbread crust with a crisp crumble topping
Ideal make-ahead dessert
Simple ingredients, no fancy equipment

Customizable with other citrus fruits
A crowd favorite that stores beautifully

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the lemon filling:

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 large egg yolks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly.

Press 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.

Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the lemon layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.

Allow to cool completely in the pan, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
Calories per serving: 310 kcal

Variations

Citrus Swap: Use lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrus twist
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking mix
Nutty Crust: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch

Berry Boost: Add a layer of fresh blueberries or raspberries between crust and filling
Extra Zing: Increase lemon zest for a more intense citrus flavor

Storage/Reheating

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

Freezing:
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating:
These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. No reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead Of Fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Can I Double This Recipe For A Larger Crowd?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

Do I Need To Chill Before Serving?

Yes, chilling helps the bars set and makes slicing easier.

Can I Use Quick Oats Instead Of Rolled Oats?

Yes, quick oats will work but the texture may be slightly less hearty.

What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?

You can grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray as an alternative.

Is There A Dairy-Free Option?

Try using coconut condensed milk and a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

Why Did My Filling Turn Runny?

Make sure to bake until the center is set and allow adequate chilling time.

How Long Can I Leave Them Out At Room Temperature?

Up to 4 hours is fine, but refrigerate if storing longer.

Can I Make The Crust In A Food Processor?

Yes, pulse the dry ingredients with butter for a finer crumble texture.

Can I Use Egg Whites Instead Of Yolks?

No, egg yolks are essential for the creamy, rich texture of the lemon filling.

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars offer the perfect harmony of tart citrus and buttery sweetness in every bite. With their easy preparation and refreshing flavor, they’re an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, packing a picnic, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to brighten your day.

Bright & Tangy Desserts You’ll Also Love

If you enjoyed the fresh citrusy flavor of Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars, here are more dessert recipes that bring out similar sweet and tangy notes:

Try the beautifully balanced Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe for another citrus-forward, crumbly treat.

Enjoy a soft and airy classic with the Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe, a perfect base for lemon glaze or fruit toppings.
For something creamy and nostalgic, indulge in the Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Delight.
Need a fruity, no-fuss bake? The Blueberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast delivers the perfect brunch dessert crossover.

Don’t miss the buttery layers of the Peach Buttermilk Pound Cake Delight, an ideal pairing with a tangy lemon glaze.

Zesty Lemon Crumble Bars

Author: Chef Clara

Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These bright and tangy lemon bars feature a buttery shortbread base, a luscious lemon curd center, and a golden crumble topping — perfect for spring gatherings or a refreshing sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 large egg yolks

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly.
Press 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.

In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the lemon layer.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool completely in the pan, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.

For extra texture, add chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic look.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar

Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 90 mg

Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg