Lemon Dream Crumb Bars Sunshine in Every Bite

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave sunshine in a bite? This Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is like bottled sunshine, honestly. The bright lemon flavor will totally lift your spirits.
Brief Overview
Lemon bars are an all-American classic, perfect for picnics and potlucks. This recipe kicks it up a notch with a creamy filling.
It is a medium difficulty recipe, taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This recipe makes 16 bars.
Main Benefits
These bars are packed with Vitamin C from the lemons, boosting your immune system! Serve these Lemon Dream Bars Recipe at your next afternoon tea or garden party.
What makes these Lemon Cheesecake Bars so special? The dreamy creamy lemon filling, of course.
Get Ready for Lemon Heaven
These Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars are the Lemon Dessert Recipes you need in your life. Honestly, they’re easier than you think! This Sunnys Easy Sunshine Lemon Bars version combines a shortbread crust with a luscious creamy lemon filling and a buttery crumb topping recipe .
You know? They are like sunshine in a bar!
Creamy Lemon Magic
Forget boring Easy Lemon Bars ! These Lemon Crumb Bars With Cream Cheese are next level delicious. It's inspired by classic baking recipes with lemon but adds a creamy twist that'll blow your mind.
They're perfect for when you fancy something a bit special. This is one of those Afternoon Tea Recipes your friends will beg you for.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Sunshine Starter Kit
Ready to make these Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe ? Oh my gosh, these aren't your average Easy Lemon Bars ! This recipe has some Lemon Dream Bars Recipe that have cream cheese for extra tang.
Think of them as Lemon Cheesecake Bars with a twist! So, let’s gather what you’ll need. These are perfect for your Afternoon Tea Recipes !
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need. Don't worry, it's nothing too crazy.
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (192g) . Use good quality. It affects the texture.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) for the crust, and 1 ½ cups (300g) for the filling.
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon . Fresh is best!
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon for the crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter: ¾ cup (170g) , super cold, cubed. This is key for a flaky crust.
- Large egg yolk: 1 , to bind the crust.
- Ice water: 2 tablespoons , keep it icy .
- Large eggs: 4 , for that creamy lemon filling.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: ½ cup (120ml) , about 4-5 lemons. Taste is everything!
- Lemon zest: From 2 lemons. This adds a serious zing.
- Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60ml) . Don't skimp, it adds richness!
Seasoning Notes: Zest for Life
Forget boring! We want these Lemon Crumb Bars With Cream Cheese to sing!
- Lemon zest: Essential! Adds so much flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Substitution: Don't have heavy cream? Use whole milk with an extra tablespoon of melted butter.
Honestly, I once used lime instead of lemon (total accident!) and it was AMAZING! So, feel free to experiment.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No fancy gadgets needed!
- 9x13 inch baking pan: This is essential .
- Parchment paper: Makes life easier, trust me.
- Mixing bowls: A few sizes are handy.
- Electric mixer: Stand or hand mixer, your choice.
- Lemon zester/microplane: For that lovely zest.
- Lemon juicer: Because squeezing by hand is a pain.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obviously.
I remember the time I tried to zest a lemon with a cheese grater. It was a disaster ! So yeah, get a zester.
Now you are ready to start baking these Sunnys Easy Sunshine Lemon Bars !
Alright, let's dive into making these Lemon Dream Crumb Bars: Sunshine in Every Bite! . Honestly, these aren’t just any lemon bars .
They’re like a super charged version of Sunnys Easy Sunshine Lemon Bars , and a step above your standard Easy Lemon Bars , elevated with a creamy filling.
Think of them as Lemon Cheesecake Bars but with a crumbly twist! I'm telling you, these are going to become a family favorite.
They’re perfect for everything from a casual afternoon tea recipes gathering to a fancy picnic basket.
The Magic of This Cooking Method
This Lemon Dream Bars Recipe isn't just another dessert. It's about layering flavors and textures. The buttery crust, the tangy filling, and the sweet crumb topping? Oh my gosh! They all come together to create pure magic.
And, you know, mastering this recipe opens the door to a whole world of lemon dessert recipes . You can start experimenting with other crumb topping recipes .
Plus, you'll learn some neat tricks for baking recipes with lemon . It's all about understanding how each ingredient works together!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Getting organised is key, bruv! It’s the difference between a breeze and a baking disaster. We're talking essential mise en place, which basically means everything in its place! Measure out your ingredients before you even think about turning on the oven.
This saves so much time and stops those "Oh sugar!" moments. Plus, cold butter is your best mate here! Keep it properly chilled until it’s time to use.
A handy trick is to cube the butter and then stick it in the freezer for 15 minutes before you start.
This ensures a tender, flaky crust and topping! And, a wee safety reminder always wash your hands before cooking.
You want to keep the baking germ free, innit?
step-by-step: Your Baking Journey
Here's the breakdown for these Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars .
- Crust Time: Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in cold butter.
- Chill Out: Chill the dough for 30 minutes .
- Oven Ready: Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking pan.
- Press It: Press 2/3 dough into the pan.
- Crumb Creation: Crumble remaining dough for topping.
- Bake Base: Bake crust for 15- 18 minutes until golden.
- Lemon Bliss: Make filling with eggs, sugar, lemon, cream, flour, salt.
- Pour & Top: Pour filling, then crumb topping.
- Bake Again: Bake for 35- 40 minutes . Slight jiggle is okay.
- Chill & Slice: Cool, then chill for 15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking
Want that Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars recipe perfection? Try this: Blind bake the crust for a few minutes longer. This stops the filling from making it soggy.
A great hack is to use a microplane for the lemon zest. It gives you all that lovely lemon oil without the bitter white pith.
Lastly, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. You'll be amazed at how much better it tastes than the bottled stuff.
Now go on and enjoy some sunshine, you deserve it after your hard work baking.
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to bake these amazing Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars ? Sweet! Before we get started, let's chat about a few key things.
These tips will make your Lemon Dream Bars Recipe even easier to nail!
Serving Suggestions: A Little Bit of Sunshine on Your Plate
Honestly, how you present these Sunnys Easy Sunshine Lemon Bars is almost as important as how they taste. We want to bring a smile to the one eating this.
Cut them into neat squares, or go wild with triangles! A dusting of powdered sugar is always a winner. A dollop of whipped cream? Oh my gosh, yes! I love adding fresh raspberries for a pop of color and a bit of tartness that compliments the lemon so nicely! Thinking of drinks? Iced tea or lemonade are both perfect!
These Easy Lemon Bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, too.
Perfect for those Afternoon Tea Recipes !
Storage Tips: Keep the Dream Alive!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep these Lemon Cheesecake Bars tasting their best, pop them in an airtight container. They'll be happy in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze them? Go for it! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
They'll last for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Or if you are impatient, you can thaw them in the microwave for 30 seconds in medium.
Variations: Let's Get Creative with These Lemon Bars
These Lemon Crumb Bars With Cream Cheese are fantastic as is, but why not play around? If you're dairy-free, use vegan butter and cream cheese.
Use gluten-free flour. For a change of pace, swap the lemon for lime! These Baking Recipes With Lemon can be adapted.
Think Lime Crumb Bars ! Adjust the sugar as needed.
Nutrition Basics: A Balanced Indulgence
Okay, so these are treats, not health food! But hey, lemon does have Vitamin C! And these Lemon Dessert Recipes are made with love and real ingredients.
Each bar has around 350 calories, with about 4 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of sugar.
Remember, this is just an estimate!
There you go! Bake up a storm and let me know how your Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe turns out.
You got this!. I promise these Lemon Dream Bars will knock your socks off. Enjoy! This Crumb Topping Recipes and Lemon bars are great!!
Frequently Asked Questions
My Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe filling is still jiggly after baking. What did I do wrong, and are they safe to eat?
Don't fret! A slight jiggle in the center is perfectly normal. It's better to underbake slightly than to overbake and end up with a rubbery filling. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. The filling will firm up as it cools.
If you followed the baking time closely, they're perfectly safe to eat; that slight jiggle is just the sign of a beautifully creamy texture, like the perfect panna cotta!
Can I make these Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe ahead of time, and how should I store them?
Absolutely, these bars are perfect for making ahead! They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to a month).
Just wrap them individually or in a freezer safe container.
Can I substitute the lemons in the Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe for another citrus fruit?
You sure can! Lime is a fantastic substitute for lemon if you want to try a "Lime Dream Crumb Bar." You can also experiment with other citrus fruits, like Meyer lemons (for a sweeter, less acidic flavor) or even a mix of orange and lemon zest.
Just be sure to adjust the sugar to taste, as different citrus fruits have varying levels of sweetness.
My crumb topping is browning too quickly. How can I prevent this when making the Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe?
That's a classic baking dilemma! If you notice the crumb topping browning too quickly, gently tent the pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will shield the topping from the direct heat and prevent it from burning.
Also, make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
I'm trying to cut down on sugar. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this Creamy Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe without affecting the taste or texture?
You can certainly reduce the sugar, but be mindful that it affects both sweetness and texture. Start by reducing the sugar by about 1/4 cup in both the crust/crumb and the filling. Taste the filling before pouring it into the crust and add a little more sweetener (honey or maple syrup work well) if needed.
Remember, lemon is tart, so a little sweetness is needed for balance, but don't be afraid to experiment!
Lemon Dream Crumb Bars Sunshine In Every Bite

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |