Lemon Crumb Bars
Lemon Crumb Bars are delightful treats with a zesty lemon flavor, buttery crumb topping, and a crisp saltine crust, perfect for brightening any occasion or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch dish.
- In a bowl, beat the cake mix, margarine, and 1 egg until crumbly.
- Stir in crushed saltines and press into the bottom of the prepared dish, reserving 2 cups of the crumb mixture.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a little extra zest, add some lemon zest to the filling. To make the bars less sweet, reduce the lemon juice by a tablespoon. Also, ensure that the saltines are finely crushed to help create a better crust texture. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for a summer picnic or a light dessert after dinner. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade. For a fun twist, serve alongside slices of Fabulous Fruitcake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Crumb Bars contains roughly 1809 calories, with 21g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1361mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or even lemon for a more intense lemon flavor. Just make sure the mix is similar in texture to a yellow cake mix to maintain the integrity of the bars.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use whole milk or heavy cream as a substitute. For a lighter option, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can work as well, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that the saltines are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free crackers that will work just as well in this recipe.
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).