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Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars – Tart, Sweet, and Perfectly Crumbly
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both bright and comforting, Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are your ultimate treat. Combining the zesty freshness of lemons with the hearty texture of oats, these bars are an ideal snack, dessert, or tea-time indulgence. Their crumbly, buttery topping contrasts perfectly with the smooth, tangy lemon layer, creating a multi-dimensional flavor that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, sending treats to friends, or simply craving something sweet with a citrus punch, these lemon bars hit all the right notes. Plus, they’re easy to make, naturally portable, and utterly crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars
- Bright Citrus Flavor: Lemon juice and zest give the bars a fresh, tangy flavor that’s balanced with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Hearty Oat Crumble: The oat topping adds texture, fiber, and a rustic, homemade feel.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for casual snacking, brunch spreads, or gifting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake in advance and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Ingredients
Crust & Crumble:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Lemon Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Thin lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. - Prepare Crust & Crumble:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix until crumbly. - Press Crust:
Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. - Bake Crust:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling. - Make Lemon Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fully combined. - Add Filling:
Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. - Add Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the lemon layer, covering as evenly as possible. - Bake the Bars:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble is golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. - Chill & Serve:
Once cooled, refrigerate for 1–2 hours for cleaner slices. Use the parchment overhang to lift bars from the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Tangy lemon bars with a buttery oat crumble topping, perfect for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of oat mixture for topping. Press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour lemon filling over pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle reserved oat mixture evenly on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until filling is set and crumble is golden.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate 1–2 hours. Cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh juice ensures a bright, vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your lemons are very tart, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.
- Even Crumble: Press the crust firmly and evenly to avoid a crumbly base that falls apart when slicing.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent the lemon layer from oozing.
Creative Variations
- Berry Lemon Bars: Add ½ cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries on top of the lemon filling before adding the crumble.
- Coconut Crumble: Mix ¼ cup shredded coconut into the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour. Make sure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Mini Bars: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings, adjusting baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert option.
- Great for brunch platters or holiday dessert tables due to their bright lemony flavor.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
Lemon bars originated in the early 20th century as an American adaptation of the traditional shortbread-topped fruit bars. Combining citrus with oats is a modern twist that adds both heartiness and texture. The crumble topping reflects the classic European streusel technique, popular in German and Austrian desserts, making these bars a fusion of bright American citrus and rustic European textures.
Storing & Freezing
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and crumbly goodness. Easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion, they combine bright lemon flavor with hearty oats for a treat that satisfies every craving. These bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.