Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars: Prepare to be transported to a sunny afternoon tea party with every single bite! Imagine the bright, tangy zest of lemon dancing on your tongue, perfectly balanced by the comforting, nutty sweetness of a buttery oat crumble. These aren’t just dessert bars; they’re a little slice of sunshine, guaranteed to brighten even the cloudiest day.

While the exact origins of crumble bars are debated, the concept of combining a crumbly topping with a fruit filling has been a beloved baking tradition for generations. Think of the classic apple crumble, a staple in British households for centuries! Our Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars take that comforting concept and infuse it with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, creating a delightful fusion of old and new.

What makes these bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The soft, chewy oatmeal base provides a hearty foundation, while the tangy lemon filling offers a refreshing burst of flavor. And then there’s the crumble topping – oh, that golden, buttery crumble! It adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smooth filling. Plus, they are incredibly convenient. They are easy to make, portable, and perfect for everything from a quick breakfast to an elegant dessert. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients:

• For the Oatmeal Crust:
• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• For the Lemon Filling:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (from about 2-3 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2-3 lemons)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional Crumble Topping:
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Preparing the Oatmeal Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance against sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This is especially helpful if you want to cut clean bars.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed, which is important for the texture and flavor of the crust.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold. If it gets too warm, it will melt and the crust will be tough. You can even put the dry ingredients and butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before mixing if you’re working in a warm kitchen.
4. Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the mixture down. This will form the base of your bars. Make sure the crust is even so that the bars bake evenly.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily. You want it to be set but not overly browned. This par-baking step is crucial because it prevents the crust from becoming soggy when you add the lemon filling.

Making the Lemon Filling:

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of flour remaining. The whisking action helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which will give the filling a light and airy texture.
2. Once the crust is par-baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm crust. Make sure the filling covers the entire crust.

Adding the Optional Crumble Topping (Highly Recommended!):

1. If you’re making the crumble topping (and I highly recommend you do!), prepare it now. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Again, keep the butter cold for the best results.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the lemon filling. This adds a lovely texture and sweetness to the bars.

Baking the Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars:

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. The filling should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
2. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is very important! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be too soft and the filling will run. Cooling allows the filling to set properly. I usually let them cool for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the bars out of the pan using the overhang.

Tips and Variations:

• Lemon Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of lemons. Meyer lemons will give a slightly sweeter and less tart flavor.
• Add Berries: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries into the lemon filling for a burst of fruity flavor.
• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal crust or crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well.
• Storage: Store the lemon oatmeal crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Zest Carefully: When zesting the lemons, be careful to only zest the yellow part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and will affect the flavor of the bars.
• Juice Tip: To get the most juice out of your lemons, roll them on the counter with your palm before juicing. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
• Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars! I hope you love them as much as I do. They’re perfect for a brunch, a potluck, or just a sweet treat any time of day.

Conclusion:

These Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are truly something special, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to experience their bright, sunny flavor for yourself. The combination of the tangy lemon filling, the buttery crumble topping, and the wholesome oats creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a little ray of sunshine in every bite!

What makes these bars a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, they’re surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Need a quick breakfast on the go? These bars are perfect. Looking for a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea? Look no further. Want to impress your friends and family at your next gathering? These Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars will be the star of the show.

But the best part is that you can easily customize them to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a layer of cream cheese to the filling. Simply beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, then spread it over the crust before adding the lemon filling. If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of poppy seeds to the lemon filling also adds a nice visual appeal and subtle nutty flavor.

For serving suggestions, these bars are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, and a few fresh berries on the side will complete the presentation. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them warm with a drizzle of lemon curd for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of baking – it’s all about creativity and having fun in the kitchen. I encourage you to give these Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars a try. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. They are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, crumbly and chewy, and they’re guaranteed to brighten your day.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible bars. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how they turned out and what variations you tried. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear about your Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars success!

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