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### **How to Make Lemon Crumble Bars**
Making Lemon Crumble Bars is straightforward, and the result is a dessert that is both impressive and delicious. Below is a step-by-step guide to making these bars from scratch:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Crust and Topping**
1. **Preheat the oven** to **350°F (175°C)** and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
2. **Make the crust**: In a large mixing bowl, combine **2 cups of all-purpose flour**, **1/2 cup of granulated sugar**, **1/2 teaspoon of baking powder**, and a pinch of **salt**. Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
3. **Add the butter**: Cut **1 cup of cold, unsalted butter** into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. You want the mixture to resemble a rough, crumbly texture with pea-sized chunks of butter.
4. **Press into the pan**: Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down evenly. This will form the base of the bars, so make sure it’s firmly pressed to ensure a stable crust.
5. **Set aside the rest**: Set aside the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture. This will be used as the topping for the bars later.
6. **Bake the crust**: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about **10-12 minutes**, or until it is lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling**
1. **Combine the filling ingredients**: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together **3/4 cup of granulated sugar**, **2 tablespoons of cornstarch**, and a pinch of **salt**. Add **1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice**, **1 tablespoon of lemon zest**, and **2 large eggs**. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
2. **Add the butter**: Stir in **2 tablespoons of melted butter** to the lemon mixture and continue whisking until fully incorporated.
3. **Pour over the crust**: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
#### **Step 3: Add the Crumble Topping**
1. **Top with the crumble**: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the lemon filling. It’s okay if the topping isn’t fully covering the filling—it will still bake into a delicious, crumbly topping.
2. **Bake the bars**: Return the pan to the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the lemon filling is set (you can gently shake the pan to check for any jiggling).
3. **Cool completely**: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The filling will firm up as it cools.
#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares and serve. You can dust the top with a light sprinkling of **powdered sugar** for an extra touch of sweetness. These bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on your own with a cup of tea or coffee.
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### **Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumble Bars**
1. **Use fresh lemons**: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be
convenient, but it lacks the vibrant, fresh taste that makes these bars so special.
2. **Don’t overbake**: The lemon filling should be set but still slightly soft to the touch when it’s done. Overbaking can cause the filling to become tough.
3. **Let them cool completely**: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. This ensures that the lemon filling has fully set, making the bars easier to cut into neat squares.
4. **Experiment with the crust**: If you prefer a denser, more flavorful crust, you can experiment by adding **ground almonds** or **coconut flakes** to the crumble mixture.
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### **Variations of Lemon Crumble Bars**
While the classic version of Lemon Crumble Bars is hard to beat, there are plenty of fun variations you can try:
1. **Berry Lemon Crumble Bars**: Add a handful of fresh **berries** such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist.
2. **Lemon Poppy Seed Crumble Bars**: Add **poppy seeds** to the crust or filling for an extra crunch and a slight nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.
3. **Coconut Lemon Crumble Bars**: Add **shredded coconut** to the crumble topping for a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon filling.
4. **Lemon Crumble Cheesecake Bars**: For a rich and decadent twist, layer a **cheesecake filling** between the crust and the lemon filling for a creamy, tangy dessert.
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### **Conclusion**
Lemon Crumble Bars are a delightful, refreshing dessert that offers the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. With their buttery crumble crust, tangy lemon filling, and irresistible texture, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, enjoying them as a sweet snack, or taking them to a potluck, Lemon Crumble Bars will be a hit with anyone who loves citrus desserts.
With a simple and straightforward recipe, these bars are easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes. So grab some fresh lemons, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these zesty, sweet bars that are sure to brighten your day!
