Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars

These Lemon Crumble Bars have a tangy, creamy lemon filling over an oat base with crunchy crumble on top. Refreshing and citrusy, they are absolutely delicious on their own or with a drizzle of custard or a scoop of ice cream.

There is really almost nothing better than a lemon dessert, like my creamy lemon slice, lemon meringue pie, and ultimate baked lemon cheesecake.

The tartness of lemon pairs perfectly with sugary sweetness, making this crunchy and creamy slice one of my all-time favourite treats.

These creamy lemon bars are full of zesty lemon filling between crunchy crumble and a rolled oats base. They're sweet, citrusy, and delicious, either chilled or warm.

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

1. Full of Lemon Flavour – The lemon juice and zest gives this a slice a bright, tangy flavour, and the dash of lemon extract takes it to the next level!
2. Creamy & Crunchy – These creamy lemon bars have the best of both worlds with a crunchy topping and base, filled with creamy lemon in between.
3. Most Popular Recipe - This simple slice has always been one of the most popular recipes on Bake Play Smile.
   
   Here's just a few 5 star reviews from my readers:
   
   "Delicious … thanks for the recipe! A huge hit with the Family!!! Will definitely be doing that one again!"
   "Delicious every time! A winning recipe thanks"
   "Oh my goodness! These are dangerously amazing! I can’t stop eating them."

What You Need

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• plain flour – you can use all-purpose (plain) flour or substitute it for gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the bars gluten-free
• rolled oats – you can use either rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe
• salt
• bicarbonate of soda – also called bi-carb soda or baking soda
• raw sugar – use regular granulated sugar if you don't have raw
• brown sugar
• butter – unsalted and melted
• vanilla extract
• sweetened condensed milk 
• lemon zest – finely grated from about 1 lemon
• lemon juice – ⅓ cup, so you will need about 2 lemons
• egg yolks
• lemon extract – optional, but helps give an extra burst of lemon flavour

How To Make Lemon Crumble Bars

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 – Make The Rolled Oats Base & Crumble

Whisk together the flour, rolled oats, salt and bi-carb soda. Stir in the sugars and mix until they're smooth. Add the vanilla to the melted butter, then pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it's well-combined.

Step 2 – Bake The Crust

Pop half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared tin and press into an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven, then put aside whilst you make the filling.

Step 3 – Make The Lemon Filling

Whisk together the condensed milk, lemon zest and juice, egg yolks and lemon extract until well blended. Pour the mixture over crumb crust and spread into an even layer.

Step 3 – Top With The Crumble

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the lemon layer. Bake again until the topping is lightly brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before covering and chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight). Once the slice is chilled, cut it into bars.

Recipe Tips & FAQ

How do I cut my slice neatly?

If you want really neat little squares, let the lemon crumble bars sit in the fridge overnight before you cut it. If you're not fussed with how it looks, then feel free to slice it after an hour or two, but, if you can, leave to chill overnight.

Do I need to use lemon extract?

No need at all! It intensifies the lemon flavor, but can absolutely be omitted for a more subtle flavour.

How long can these bars be stored for?

Store the creamy lemon crumble bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost in the fridge for a few hours before consuming.

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