Layered Lemon Crumb Bars
Layered Lemon Crumb Bars feature tangy lemon filling and buttery crumb topping, perfect for citrus lovers and ideal as a refreshing dessert or teatime treat.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ReaLemon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 2/3 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 cup quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, ReaLemon lemon juice, and lemon rind; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add flour, oats, baking powder, and salt; mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Spread the lemon mixture over the pressed crust.
- Stir cinnamon and nutmeg into the remaining crumb mixture.
- Sprinkle the spiced crumb mixture evenly over the lemon layer.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Cool completely and chill before serving.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding extra lemon zest. If you want to reduce sweetness, use less sweetened condensed milk or substitute it with a lighter version. You can swap out the quick cooking oats for rolled oats if necessary, but the texture may vary slightly. This recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Layered Lemon Crumb Bars are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad. They make an excellent dessert for summer picnics or gatherings, complementing dishes like the Raspberry Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy the bars at their best, let them come to room temperature before serving. If you want to reheat them, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave should suffice, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Lemon Crumb Bars contains roughly 420 calories, with 7g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of ReaLemon lemon juice?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice will give your bars a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Just ensure you strain it to remove any seeds or pulp for a smoother filling.
How can I make these bars more tart?
To increase the tartness, add more grated lemon rind or a splash of lemon extract. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference, but be cautious not to add too much liquid, which could affect the texture.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the Layered Lemon Crumb Bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).