Description
These Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars feature a buttery oat crust, creamy sweet-tart lemon filling, and a golden crumb topping. Easy to make, perfect for sharing, and even better the next day, they’re the ultimate bright and cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust & Topping:
- 7 tablespoons (99g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned oats or quick oats (not instant)
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) full-fat sweetened condensed milk
- 6 tablespoons (90ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Crumble Mixture: Beat softened butter and brown sugar together until combined, about 1 minute. Add vanilla extract and mix again. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and oats. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Form Crust: Press slightly more than half of the crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Pre-Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, then remove it from the oven to prepare for the filling.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the full-fat sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Assemble: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot pre-baked crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top of the lemon layer.
- Bake Again: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 9 square bars for serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Do not overbake; the center should be set but soft.
- Chill the bars for cleaner slices.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze bars up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon bars, oatmeal crumble bars, lemon dessert, lemon fill, crumb topping, sweet tart bars, easy lemon bars, buttery oat crust
