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Lemon Crumb Bars

Golden brown lemon crumb bars with buttery shortbread crust
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These Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a bright lemon filling and a golden crumb topping. They are simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces. Set aside 1 cup for topping.
  3. Press remaining crumb mixture evenly into bottom of prepared pan. Use bottom of a measuring cup to compact. Refrigerate while making filling.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Whisk until fully combined.
  5. Pour lemon filling over chilled crust. Sprinkle reserved crumb topping evenly over filling.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until top is golden brown and filling is set. A toothpick inserted in center should come out clean.
  7. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for cleaner slices. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For best texture, do not overwork the butter into the flour. Visible butter pieces create a flaky crust. Chilling the crust helps it hold together. Fresh lemon juice is key for bright flavor. Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/lemon-crumb-bars/