Makes 24 bars
A perfect harmony of tangy lemon curd and buttery crumb layers, these bars are a citrus lover’s dream. Ideal for picnics, tea time, or gifting!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
For the Lemon Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- Zest of 3 lemons (about 2 tbsp)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan & Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust/Crumble:
- In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Reserve 1½ cups of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining into the pan’s bottom to form an even crust.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust:
- Bake crust for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, flour, and salt until smooth. Pour over the pre-baked crust.
5. Add the Crumble Topping:
- Sprinkle reserved crumble evenly over the lemon layer.
6. Bake:
- Bake 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is set (edges should be lightly browned).
7. Cool & Serve:
- Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate 2 hours for clean slices. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for Success
- Butter Temperature: Use cold butter for a flaky, crumbly texture.
- Lemon Intensity: Adjust zest to taste—3 lemons deliver bold citrus flavor.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Why This Recipe Works
- Buttery Layers: The crust and crumble share the same mix, simplifying prep.
- Tangy Filling: Fresh lemon juice and zest ensure vibrant flavor.
- Texture Contrast: Crisp crumble meets creamy, set curd.
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
