Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars

$- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons) - 2 large eggs - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the crust and crumble, start with rolled oats. They give a nice texture and chew. Use all-purpose flour for structure. Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. Baking powder and salt help with rise and flavor. Melted butter binds everything and adds richness. Don't forget the lemon zest! It brings bright flavor. For the lemon filling, fresh lemon juice is key. It gives a vibrant taste. You will need about four lemons. Eggs help set the filling. Granulated sugar balances the tartness. Cornstarch thickens the filling, making it firm. Lastly, vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty treat. Enjoy mixing and baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I use a 9x9 inch pan. Grease it or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. 2. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients for the crust and crumble: - 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - Zest of 1 lemon Mix until everything is crumbly and well combined. 1. Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. This forms the crust. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the lemon filling ingredients: - 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons) - 2 large eggs - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until it is smooth and well-blended. 1. Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan. Spread it evenly. 2. Take the remaining oat mixture and sprinkle it over the lemon filling. Make sure it covers the filling well. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping. The filling should be set in the middle. 4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the bars hold their shape when cut. - Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements of your ingredients. This step helps create the perfect texture. - To achieve a golden topping, bake until the edges are slightly brown. This usually takes 25 to 30 minutes. - If your topping is browning too fast, cover the pan with foil. This keeps the top from burning while the filling sets. - To boost the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest to the filling. A little zest goes a long way. - Always use fresh lemon juice for the best taste. Bottled juice lacks the bright flavor that fresh lemons bring. Use about four lemons for one cup of juice. - Cut the bars into even squares while they are still in the pan. This helps keep the shape intact. - Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, zesty bars. - For added flavor, drizzle a little honey or lemon glaze over the top. This gives an extra sweet touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. Let It Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, neat squares. Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of ginger or a dash of almond extract for a unique twist on the filling. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. {{image_2}} You can change the sweetness of your bars. Honey or maple syrup make great options. Use them in place of brown sugar. Honey offers a floral taste, while maple syrup gives a cozy flavor. If you use honey, try ½ cup. For maple syrup, use ⅓ cup. Adjust to your taste for a touch of sweetness. Feel free to get creative with your bars. Add nuts or seeds for crunch. Chopped walnuts or almonds work well. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. If you want to change the filling, try mixing in fruits. Berries or diced apples add a nice twist. Just chop them small and sprinkle them into the lemon filling. How you serve your bars can change the experience. Serve them warm for a gooey treat. They pair well with a scoop of ice cream. If you prefer them chilled, they make a refreshing snack. You can also drizzle some honey or a fruit sauce on top. Whipped cream adds a nice touch, too. Enjoy your bars any way you like! To keep your Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars fresh, follow these tips: - Cool Completely: Let the bars cool fully before storing. This stops condensation. - Use Airtight Containers: Place the bars in a clean, airtight container. This keeps them moist. - Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing. To freeze your Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars, do this: - Wrap Well: Cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. - Use Freezer Bags: Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Squeeze out air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again: - Thawing: Take the bars out and leave them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them soft. - Reheating: To warm them, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy the fresh taste! Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? You can use quick oats, but the texture changes. Rolled oats give a chewier bite. Quick oats are finer, which can make the bars softer. Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice? Yes, fresh lemon juice is best. It gives the bars a bright and vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the same zing and freshness. How can I tell when the bars are fully baked? Look for a golden brown topping. The filling should be set but slightly jiggle when moved. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free oats and flour. Make sure to check labels for any hidden gluten. This will ensure tasty bars without wheat. How long do these bars last at room temperature? These bars can last for about three days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. What’s the best way to cut these bars for serving? Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For easier slicing, chill the bars in the fridge first. This will help keep the filling intact. You now have all the tools to make delicious Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars. We covered the key ingredients, from the crust to the filling. You learned the step-by-step process and some handy tips for great results. Don't forget the variations that can spark your creativity. Proper storage keeps them fresh for later enjoyment. With this knowledge, you can bake, share, and savor. Enjoy your baking journey and treat your taste buds to something wonderful!$

Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Delicious and tangy lemon bars with a crumbly oatmeal crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
2 large eggs
0.5 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and lemon zest. Mix until crumbly and well combined.
Divide the oat mixture into two parts; press half firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan.
Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

Notes

Allow to cool completely before cutting for best results.

Keyword bars, dessert, lemon, oatmeal