Layered Lemon Crumb Bars(Makes 36 Bars)
Layered Lemon Crumb Bars feature tangy lemon flavor with a sweet, buttery crumb topping, perfect for citrus lovers and ideal for sharing at gatherings or tea time.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ReaLemon lemon juice from concentrate ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 2/3 cup margarine or butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups unsifted flour ⓘ
- 1 cup oats ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass dish).
- In a small mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, ReaLemon lemon juice, and grated lemon rind; set aside.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat margarine and sugar until fluffy.
- Add flour, oats, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg; mix until crumbly.
- Spread half of the oat mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Press down firmly to form the crust.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of grated lemon rind. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter is a perfect substitute. Be sure to press the crust mixture firmly to prevent it from crumbling when cut. You can also use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a slightly different texture.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon crumb bars are delightful served alone, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve with fresh berries or a fruit salad. They make a great addition to dessert tables or potlucks and are perfect for spring gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside your favorite American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the layered lemon crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Lemon Crumb Bars(Makes 36 Bars) contains roughly 116 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh lemon juice! In fact, fresh juice will provide a brighter flavor. Just make sure to use the same amount as specified in the recipe. Freshly grated lemon rind can also enhance the taste, making your bars even more vibrant.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these layered lemon crumb bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two in advance, and they will hold up well at room temperature. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain freshness. They also freeze well if you want to prepare them further in advance.
What can I do if the bars are too crumbly?
If your bars turn out too crumbly, it may be due to overmixing the crumb mixture or not pressing it down firmly enough in the pan. Ensure you pack the crust tightly and mix just until combined. If they still crumble, they can be served as a delicious lemon crumble dessert in a bowl with whipped cream.
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).