Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I’ll never forget the first time I made lemon crumb bars. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and my kitchen smelled like butter and sugar, warm and inviting. I was experimenting with a buttery streusel topping, trying to get the perfect crunch that would contrast with a soft, tangy lemon filling. By the time I pulled them from the oven, golden and glistening, my family couldn’t resist sneaking bites even before they cooled. That memory still brings me joy every time I bake these lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping.
These bars are my go-to recipe whenever I want something comforting, bright, and full of sunshine in the middle of a gloomy day. The buttery, crumbly base and topping combined with the tangy, luscious lemon layer is pure magic. Lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping have a way of making ordinary afternoons feel like celebrations, and I’m excited to share how to make them with you.
Why I Love Making Lemon Crumb Bars with Buttery Streusel Topping
Baking is my love language, and lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping are one of those recipes that combine everything I adore: simplicity, flavor, and memories. The buttery streusel topping is perfectly crisp without being hard, the lemon filling is zesty yet smooth, and the crust brings everything together.
I love how versatile these bars are. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, an after-school treat, or a cozy tea party. And the best part? They bring people together. I’ve gifted these bars to neighbors, served them at family gatherings, and watched them disappear faster than I can say “lemony goodness.” Lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping are the type of recipe that never fails to make smiles appear at the table.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping:
For the Crust & Streusel
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
Little kitchen secrets:
- For a more tender crust, don’t overmix the streusel. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference. Bottled juice will work in a pinch, but it won’t be as vibrant.
- Chill the bars slightly before cutting to get clean slices.
How I Make Lemon Crumb Bars with Buttery Streusel Topping, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust and streusel: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve about 1/3 of the mixture for the streusel topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the lemon filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved streusel on top of the lemon layer, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the filling is set and the streusel is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares or rectangles.
How I Serve Lemon Crumb Bars at Home
I love serving these bars with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. They’re delightful alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of cold milk. For special occasions, I sometimes plate them on a decorative tray with fresh lemon slices and a few sprigs of mint it feels like a little celebration in my kitchen every time.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cut bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Let thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Serve chilled or at room temperature they’re just as delicious either way.
- Make-ahead: These bars are perfect for prepping the day before a gathering. Bake, chill, and slice right before serving.
100-Word Short Version
Lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping are my go-to recipe for sunny, comforting treats. I start with a buttery, crumbly crust, then add a bright, tangy lemon filling, and finish with a crisp streusel topping. Baking them fills my kitchen with warmth and lemony aroma, perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re easy to make, transportable, and perfect for any occasion brunch, tea time, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Chill, slice, and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar. Lemon crumb bars bring sunshine to any day!
Recipe Card Section (Before Conclusion)
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Chill: 2 hours
🛒 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened</li> <li>1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar</li> <li>1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed</li> <li>2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour</li> <li>1/4 tsp salt</li> <li>4 large eggs</li> <li>1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar</li> <li>1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour</li> <li>1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice</li> <li>Zest of 2 lemons</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions: <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.</li> <li>Cream butter and sugars; mix in flour and salt for crumbly dough.</li> <li>Reserve 1/3 for streusel; press remaining dough into pan. Bake 15–18 min.</li> <li>Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest. Pour over crust.</li> <li>Sprinkle streusel on top. Bake 30–35 min until golden and set.</li> <li>Cool completely, then chill 2 hours before slicing.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes:
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
- Chill bars for clean cuts.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 280 | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 80mg | Cholesterol: 65mg
Lemon Crumb Bars with Buttery Streusel Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes + 2 hours chill
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British/American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping are a cozy homemade treat. A buttery crust, zesty lemon filling, and crisp streusel make the perfect dessert for family gatherings, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Easy to bake and full of sunshine, they bring warmth and joy to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugars; mix in flour and salt for crumbly dough.
- Reserve 1/3 for streusel; press remaining dough into pan. Bake 15–18 min.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest. Pour over crust.
- Sprinkle streusel on top. Bake 30–35 min until golden and set.
- Cool completely, then chill 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor. Chill bars for clean cuts. Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Conclusion
Lemon crumb bars with buttery streusel topping are more than just a dessert they’re memories baked into every bite. Every time I make them, I feel the warmth of my kitchen and the joy of sharing something homemade with the people I love. They’re simple, comforting, and full of sunshine, and I hope that when you bake these bars, they bring as much happiness to your home as they’ve brought to mine.