Lemon Crumble Bars

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### 🥄 How to Make Lemon Crumble Bars

#### Step 1: **Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re done. You can also lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray if you prefer.

#### Step 2: **Make the Crust and Crumble Topping**
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Add the cold, cubed **butter** and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

If you’re adding **oats**, stir them in at this stage for added texture. Mix in the **vanilla extract** for extra flavor. Set aside about **1/2 cup** of the crumble mixture to use for the topping later.

Press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form a crust layer. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for **10 minutes**, just until it begins to set and lightly golden.

#### Step 3: **Prepare the Lemon Filling**
While the crust is baking, prepare the **lemon filling**. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **eggs** and **sugar** until well combined. Stir in the **lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, **flour**, **baking powder**, and a pinch of **salt**. This will create a smooth, slightly thickened lemon filling.

Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon mixture evenly over the top.

#### Step 4: **Add the Crumble Topping**
Sprinkle the reserved **crumble mixture** over the lemon filling, covering it evenly. Don’t worry about making it perfect—some parts may have more crumble, and some less, but that’s part of the charm!

#### Step 5: **Bake the Lemon Crumble Bars**
Return the pan to the oven and bake for **20–25 minutes**, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. The filling should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center of the lemon filling should come out clean.

#### Step 6: **Cool and Serve**
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least **30 minutes**. Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator for about **1–2 hours** to let them firm up further.

For easy slicing, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and dust with a light coating of powdered sugar, if desired.

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### 💡 Tips for the Perfect Lemon Crumble Bars

– **Use Fresh Lemons**: For the best flavor, always use **fresh lemons**. The zest adds so much citrusy punch, while the juice provides the tangy base for the filling.
– **Chill Before Slicing**: After the bars cool to room temperature, chill them in the fridge before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner, neater slices.
– **Adjust Sweetness**: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the sugar in the lemon filling by a few tablespoons. Conversely, for a more tart treat, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
– **Make Them Gluten-Free**: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the **all-purpose flour** for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
– **Add a Glaze**: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled bars. Mix **powdered sugar** with a little **lemon juice** or **milk** and drizzle it over the top for a glossy finish.

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### 🍴 When to Serve Lemon Crumble Bars

– **Tea Time**: These bars are the perfect addition to a tea party or afternoon coffee break. Their light, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
– **Picnics & Potlucks**: Easy to transport and share, **Lemon Crumble Bars** are a great option for picnics, potlucks, or barbecues. Their bright citrus flavor is always a hit during the warmer months.
– **Holiday Desserts**: Serve these at your next holiday gathering—whether for Easter, a summer BBQ, or as part of your Christmas dessert spread, they’ll be sure to impress.
– **Baking Gifts**: Pack them up in a cute box or tin and give them as a gift to friends and family. These bars are an easy, thoughtful treat to share.
– **Weeknight Indulgence**: Craving something sweet after dinner? These bars are simple enough to make on a whim but fancy enough to feel like a special treat.

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### 🌟 Final Thoughts

**Lemon Crumble Bars** are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a crumbly, buttery topping that pairs wonderfully with the refreshing lemon filling. These bars are an ideal dessert for almost any occasion—easy to prepare, beautifully tangy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for lunch, or simply enjoying them as a light dessert, these bars will always be a crowd-pleaser.

So, grab some fresh lemons, preheat your oven, and make these **Lemon Crumble Bars** today. They’re sure to become a favorite go-to treat! 🍋🍰