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Lemon desserts have long held a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers around the globe. Their bright, tangy flavor adds a refreshing twist to sweet treats, making them perfect for any occasion. Among the myriad of lemon-infused desserts, Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars stand out as an irresistible combination of tartness and sweetness, offering a delightful experience in every bite. These bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are visually appealing and easy to prepare, making them suitable for everything from casual family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties.

Lemon Crumb Bars

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars, a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness. These delightful bars feature a buttery crumb crust, smooth lemon filling, and a crunchy topping that creates an irresistible treat for any occasion. Easy to make and visually appealing, they’re a hit at family gatherings or dinner parties. Brighten your dessert table with this timeless lemon dessert that will leave guests coming back for seconds!
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

3 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup cold unsalted butter, diced

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Pinch of salt

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly and press it into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

    Make the Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup of sugar until well combined. Add in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, ¼ cup of flour, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth.

      Pour the Filling: Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center.

        Prepare the Crumb Topping: While the bars bake, combine ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of sugar, diced cold butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.

          Add the Topping: After the lemon filling is set, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the lemon layer and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.

            Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, refrigerate for another hour to set completely. Cut into squares and serve.

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                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 squares