Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty & Sweet : The tartness of fresh lemons balances perfectly with the sweetness of the filling and crumb topping.
- Crumbly Perfection : The buttery crust and streusel topping create a satisfying contrast to the smooth lemon layer.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for potlucks, parties, or gifting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Can be prepared in advance and stored for quick desserts throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter , cold and cubed
For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes , or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
Step 6: Bake