Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
When it comes to delightful treats that combine the zesty freshness of lemon with the comforting crunch of oatmeal, Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars stand out as a perfect fusion. These bars are a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a satisfyingly crumbly texture. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or a special addition to your brunch table, these bars are sure to impress.
What sets Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars apart is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures they offer. The bright citrusy notes of lemon cut through the richness of the buttery crumble, creating a taste sensation that is both refreshing and indulgent. The oatmeal adds a nutty undertone and a delightful crunch, making each bite a symphony of flavors and textures.
Recipe Quick Facts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine Type: American
Course: Dessert
Dietary Labels: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
– Easy to make and perfect for all skill levels
– Can be enjoyed as a snack or a dessert
– A great way to use fresh lemons
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumble:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Lemon Filling:
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 large eggs
– 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 2 lemons
For the best results, use fresh lemons for the juice and zest to get the most vibrant citrus flavor in your bars.
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowl
– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Parchment paper
– Electric mixer
– Zester
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest for the crust and crumble.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the filling until well combined.
6. Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the pan.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the lemon filling.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Include step photos here for visual guidance.
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure to use cold butter for the crumble to achieve a flaky texture.
– Zesting the lemons directly into the sugar for the crust intensifies the citrus flavor.
– Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
Substitutions & Variations
– For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
– Add a handful of fresh blueberries to the lemon filling for an extra burst of flavor.
– Drizzle the cooled bars with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.
Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve the Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– Pair them with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade for the perfect treat.
– Garnish each bar with a twist of lemon zest for a decorative touch.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Sodium: 140mg
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Can I bake instead of fry?
No, these bars are baked to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
3. What can I substitute for fresh lemons?
You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best flavor.
4. How do I know when it’s done?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
6. How long do they last?
Stored properly, the bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, packing them in a lunchbox, or enjoying them as a dessert, their bright flavors and comforting texture are sure to delight your taste buds.
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Delightful bars that combine the zesty freshness of lemon with the comforting crunch of oatmeal, offering a perfect fusion of sweet and tangy flavors in a crumbly texture.
Ingredients
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
-
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
Zest of 3 lemons
-
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
4 large eggs
-
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
-
Add cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
-
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the filling until well combined.
-
Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the pan.
-
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the lemon filling.
-
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
-
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
