Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of tangy citrus and sweet, chewy oatmeal. With a buttery oat crumble topping and a zesty lemon filling, these bars are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the bright, fresh flavor of lemon. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and their sweet and tart balance makes them an irresistible option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zesty and sweet: The lemon filling provides a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweet and hearty oatmeal crumble topping.

• Easy to make: These bars are simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and basic steps.

• Perfect texture: The oatmeal crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the lemon filling remains smooth and soft, creating a perfect balance of textures.

• Versatile: Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast bar, a snack, or a light dessert, these bars are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

• Make-ahead: You can prepare them ahead of time, making them ideal for meal prep, picnics, or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the crust and crumble topping:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

For the lemon filling:

• 2 large lemons, juiced and zested

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the crust and crumble topping:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey or maple syrup until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine: Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until combined. The dough should have a crumbly texture.

5. Reserve topping: Set aside about 1/2 cup of the oat mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.

Make the lemon filling:

1. Mix the filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

2. Pour over crust: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the oat crust.

Assemble and bake:

1. Top with crumble: Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the lemon filling, covering the surface.

2. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lemon filling is set (it should be slightly firm to the touch).

3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to cool completely, about 2 hours. This helps the lemon filling set and makes the bars easier to slice.

Serve:

1. Slice and enjoy: Once completely cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or extra lemon zest if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on the size.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 30-35 minutes

• Cooling time: 2 hours

• Total time: 3 hours (including cooling time)

Variations

• Add berries: You can mix in some fresh berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) into the lemon filling for added sweetness and color.

• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make the bars gluten-free.

• Lemon glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice) over the bars once they’re cooled.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but if you need to use bottled lemon juice, it will work in a pinch.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative, though the texture and sweetness level may vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe with a larger pan?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. The bars will likely be thinner, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

How can I make the crust crunchier?

For a crunchier crust, you can add a little more butter or bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the lemon filling.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day ahead. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a bright, refreshing treat that combine the tanginess of lemon with the heartiness of oats. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Enjoy the zesty flavor and delightful texture of these delicious lemony bars!

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