Lemon Crumb Squares
Lemon Crumb Squares are tangy, sweet bars with a buttery crumb topping, perfect for lemon lovers and delightful as a dessert or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and grated lemon peel. Set aside.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter, then blend in the dark brown sugar.
- Add oatmeal and the sifted flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into an 8 x 12 x 2 inch buttered baking pan, Pat down.
- Spread the condensed milk mixture over the crumb layer.
- Cover with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until brown around the edges, about 25 minutes.
- Cool in the pan at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Cut into 1¾ inch squares and chill in the pan until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure you use room temperature butter when creaming with the sugar. If you don't have dark brown sugar, you can substitute with light brown sugar for a milder flavor. Adding a pinch of vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste. If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider mixing in some oats to the crumb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Crumb Squares are delightful on their own but can be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They also complement a cup of tea or coffee nicely. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside Nutty Lemon Carrots as a vibrant side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Crumb Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply take out a square and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds until slightly warm. Chilling them before serving can enhance their texture, making them firmer and easier to cut.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Crumb Squares contains roughly 134 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 8g 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 lemons instead of bottled lemon juice?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter flavor. Just make sure to strain it to remove any seeds and pulp. Grated lemon peel from fresh lemons will also enhance the freshness of the squares.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Yes, these Lemon Crumb Squares can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator once cooled. This not only helps with the flavor melding but also makes them firmer, which is ideal for cutting.
Is it possible to freeze Lemon Crumb Squares?
Yes, you can freeze these squares! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container before freezing. They can last up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
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).