Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars

$To make the crust and crumble, you need: - 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed tightly - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - Zest of 1 large lemon These ingredients create a base that is both hearty and sweet. The oats give a nice texture, while the lemon zest adds a fresh burst of flavor. For the lemon filling, gather these items: - 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4 medium lemons) - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract This filling is bright and tangy. The lemon juice provides a sharp taste, while the eggs help it set beautifully. To make your bars look even better, consider these garnishes: - Powdered sugar for dusting - Thinly sliced lemon wedges - A sprinkle of lemon zest These garnishes add a lovely touch. They not only beautify the bars but also enhance the lemon flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter. You can also line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients well. Next, pour in the melted butter and add the lemon zest. Use a fork or your hands to mix until you see a crumbly texture. Set aside half of this oat mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, room temperature eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Make sure this mixture is smooth and well blended. This filling adds a bright and zesty flavor. Take the half of the oat mixture you didn’t set aside and press it firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. This forms your crust. Now, pour the lemon filling over the pressed crust. Spread it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the reserved oat crumble evenly over the lemon filling. Place the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown. When done, the lemon filling may have a slight jiggle. This is fine; it will set as it cools. After baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key for the bars to firm up. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper or cut them directly in the pan. Slice them into squares or bars. For an extra touch, dust the top with powdered sugar and add a lemon wedge or some zest before serving. Enjoy this delightful treat! To get a great crumble, start with cold butter. Mix it into your dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Do not overmix; you want some clumps. The lemon zest adds flavor, so don't skip it! Half the oat mixture forms the base, while the other half tops your filling. This balance gives you a nice texture. Many people forget to cool the butter. If the butter is too hot, it can melt away your crumble. Another mistake is using too much lemon juice. Stick to one cup; too much can make the filling runny. Also, make sure to let the bars cool fully. Cutting them too soon leads to messy squares. These bars taste great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them with a warm cup of tea. For a twist, try adding fresh berries on the side. They add color and a burst of flavor! Pro Tips Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest from real lemons instead of bottled juice. This will enhance the tartness and aroma of your bars. Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set properly and makes it easier to cut clean squares without the filling oozing out. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the lemon filling before baking. If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking, keeping in mind that the tartness of the lemon is part of the charm. Store Properly: To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, and the flavors will continue to develop over time. {{image_4}} You can make these bars gluten-free with simple swaps. Use gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the texture nice while making it safe for those with gluten issues. The flavors will still shine through, making it a treat everyone can enjoy. Want to change things up? Try adding some fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the lemon filling. Their sweetness pairs well with the tartness of lemon. You can also mix in a bit of ginger or cinnamon to the oat mixture for a warm, spicy twist. While lemon is the star here, other citrus fruits work great too. Try using lime for a zesty change. Or use orange juice and zest for a sweeter, more mellow flavor. Each fruit brings its own unique taste, making the recipe versatile and fun! To keep your lemon oatmeal crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method helps maintain their taste and texture. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge for added freshness. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. To do this, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw overnight in the fridge. These bars will last in the fridge for about one week. Store them in an airtight container to ensure they stay moist and tasty. If they start to dry out, you can add a slice of bread in the container. This trick helps keep them soft and delicious. Yes, you can use store-bought lemon juice. However, fresh juice gives the best flavor. Fresh lemons have bright, zesty notes that enhance the taste. If you use bottled juice, check for any added sugars. This will make the bars less tart. You will know the bars are done when the top turns golden brown. The lemon filling should be set but may still jiggle slightly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Let them cool completely for the best texture. To cut the bars, first let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out. This makes cutting easier. Aim for even squares or rectangles for nice presentation. Absolutely! You can make these bars a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They taste even better after chilling, as the flavors meld together. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious lemon bars. We went through the essential ingredients, including the crust, filling, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect results, from prepping the pan to baking. You learned helpful tips and tricks for the best texture and common mistakes. I've also offered tasty variations and storage tips. Remember, making these lemon bars can be fun and easy. With practice, you’ll create a sweet treat that everyone loves. Enjoy your baking!$

Delicious and tangy lemon bars with a crunchy oatmeal crumble topping.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 large eggs, at room temperature
0.5 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easier removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well integrated.
Pour in the melted butter and add the lemon zest. Mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
Set aside half of the oat mixture and press the remaining half firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
In another bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Pour the luscious lemon filling over the pressed crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Take the reserved oat crumble mixture and evenly sprinkle it over the lemon filling, ensuring good coverage.
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn a lovely golden brown, and the lemon filling should be set (a slight jiggle is okay).
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the bars to firm up nicely.
Once completely cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper (if lined) or cut directly in the pan. Slice into squares or bars as desired, and enjoy this delightful treat!

Notes

For a beautiful display, dust the top of the cooled bars with powdered sugar and garnish with thinly sliced lemon wedges or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.

Keyword bars, crumble, dessert, lemon, oatmeal