Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares Recipe: A Buttery, Citrusy Treat
A tangy-sweet bar that pairs a custard-like citrus filling with a buttery oat crunch.
Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares: The Quintessential Citrusy Dessert
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the bright flavor of lemon in every bite, creamy lemon crumb squares are the answer. With a buttery oat crumb base, a luscious, tangy lemon filling, and a golden crumble topping, these bars are the epitome of homey comfort and refreshing citrus flavor. This guide covers everything you need to know to make perfect lemon crumb squares—from ingredient selection and preparation tips to alternative variations and expert FAQs.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find and usually already in your pantry
- Minimal prep time – just mix, layer, bake, and chill
- Versatile: great for both casual gatherings and special occasions
- Bright, fresh lemon flavor that balances tangy and sweet with a creamy texture to die for
- Easy to customize with variations like lime or berries
What Are Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares?
Creamy lemon crumb squares are a layered bar dessert featuring:
- A golden, buttery crumb base created from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter, offering a satisfying crunch and warmth.
- A creamy, tart lemon layer blended from sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest, providing a silky, custard-like filling.
- A streusel-style topping made from the same crumb mixture as the base, delivering added texture and flavor contrast.
This combination makes for a dessert bar that’s both rich and refreshing—similar in character to a lemon bar but with an added element of crumbly oat goodness.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients list is straightforward. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The crumb mixture is simple and forms both the base and topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Zest of 1 large lemon
Substitution ideas:
- Lime juice and zest can replace lemon for a key lime twist.
- Use gluten-free flour and certified oats for a gluten-free version.
- Add berries, such as blueberries, sprinkled onto the lemon layer before baking for a zesty-fruity variation.
Equipment Needed
To make creamy lemon crumb squares, you’ll need:
- Mixer or sturdy mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×11-inch baking dish (see tips below for pan substitutions)
- Zester or microplane for fresh zest
- Spatula or offset knife
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your baking dish:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×11-inch (or similar) baking pan with nonstick spray or grease with butter.
- Make the crumb mixture:
In a bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until combined and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a crumbly dough forms.
- Assemble the base:
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Prepare the filling:
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until completely smooth.
- Layer the lemon filling:
Pour the lemon mixture over the pressed crumb base, spreading to the corners.
- Top with crumble:
Take the remaining crumb mixture, squeeze together to form small clumps, and sprinkle evenly over the lemon layer.
- Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is just set.
- Cool and chill:
Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least two hours to set completely before slicing.
- Serve:
Cut into 12-16 squares. Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy chilled for the ultimate creamy texture.
Essential Tips and Tricks
- Firmly press the bottom layer to ensure it holds together and supports the filling.
- For more texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant).
- Allow full chilling time: This dessert is best when thoroughly chilled, which makes slicing easier and keeps the layers intact.
- Don’t overbake: Take out when the top is golden—overbaking can dry out the bars.
Pan Sizing and Alternatives
- If you don’t have an 8×11-inch pan, use a 9×13-inch dish. Note that the bars will turn out thinner. To mimic the original thickness, build a makeshift barrier using rolled-up foil to section off part of the pan.
- Alternatively, scale up the ingredients by about 20% for a full 9×13-inch pan.
- For thicker bars, an 8×8-inch square pan works well—just increase baking time slightly and check for doneness.
What others are reading
Fun Variations to Try
- Key Lime Crumb Squares: Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon.
- Berry Lemon Squares: Scatter a handful of blueberries or raspberries over the lemon layer before adding the top crumb.
- Coconut Crumb Squares: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the crumb mixture for a tropical flair.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve cold for a refreshing treat, especially on warm days.
- Enhance presentation with fresh berries or a dollop of softly whipped cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon slices for a pretty finish.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars maintain their creamy filling and crisp crumb when kept cold.
- For longer storage, freeze individual squares separated by parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Quick Nutritional Facts (per square, approx.)
| Calories | 210 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 19g |
*Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use lime instead of lemon juice?
Absolutely! You can make a key lime version by swapping lemon juice and zest for limes. The bars have a similar texture with a distinctive tropical flavor.
I don’t have an 8×11-inch pan—what can I use?
A 9×13-inch pan works, but bars will be thinner. To maintain thickness, use foil to create a temporary barrier in the pan, simulating an 8×11 size. You can also increase the recipe by about 20% for a full 9×13-inch batch.
Are these bars best served cold or room temperature?
These bars are best served chilled, which helps the creamy filling set fully and makes them easier to slice neatly.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The results will be just as delicious with the same satisfying texture.
Can I add fruit or chocolate to the recipe?
Yes—try adding a layer of berries, such as blueberries, to the lemon filling before topping with crumbs. For a decadent touch, stir a few white chocolate chips into the crumb topping.
Related Lemon Recipes
- Lemon Brownies: Dense and zesty citrus-infused dessert bars.
- Lemon Lush: A layered no-bake dessert with a cookie crust, creamy lemon filling, and whipped topping.
- Lemon Sheet Cake: Feed a crowd with this tender, tangy cake.
- Blueberry Lemon Muffins: Sweet and tart, perfect for breakfast or snacking.
- Lemon Pie: Classic, silky lemon filling in a flaky, buttery crust.
Expert Baking Tips and Troubleshooting
- Too soft or runny filling? Be sure to allow bars to chill thoroughly. If you slice too soon, the filling might not hold its shape.
- Crumble mixture too dry? Add a splash of melted butter until it clumps easily.
- Want extra tang? Use more lemon zest for deeper citrus flavor.
Inspiration for Every Occasion
Creamy lemon crumb squares are versatile, easy to adapt, and always a hit at potlucks, picnics, holidays, or whenever you crave a bright, citrusy treat. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little lemon love, you can pull together a dessert that’s as homey as it is irresistible. Enjoy the creamy, crumbly magic—one square at a time.
References
- https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/creamy-lemon-crumb-squares/
- https://12tomatoes.com/pioneer-womans-lemon-bars/
- https://jenaroundtheworld.com/pioneer-woman-lemon-bars/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a12104/lemon-bars/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8912/creamy-lemon-crumb-squares/
- https://aglassofmilk.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/pioneer-woman-desserts-creamy-lemon-crumb-squares/
- https://diaryofamadhausfrau.com/2010/06/pioneer-womans-creamy-lemon-crumb.html
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
