Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of tangy lemon and hearty oats, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. These bars are wonderfully easy to prepare and offer a satisfying taste that will brighten your day. The buttery crumble topping complements the zesty lemon filling, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat to start your morning on a cheerful note!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 190
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 29g per serving
- Fat: 8g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugar: 8g per serving
- Sodium: 75mg per serving
Why Make This Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
This recipe for Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars brings together the freshness of citrus and the wholesome goodness of oats. They are not only delicious but are also an excellent portable snack for picnics, lunch boxes, or simply a sweet treat after dinner. The bars are easy to whip up and are sure to impress family and friends with their delightful texture and vibrant flavor. Plus, you can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
How to Make Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Step 1: Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish. This ensures that your bars won’t stick and will come out perfectly formed.
Step 2: Mixing Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Next, cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbling process is key to achieving that delicious topping.
Step 3: Creating the Base
Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a solid crust. This sturdy base will hold the lemon filling nicely.
Step 4: Preparing the Lemon Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This fragrant mixture will be poured over your crust, providing a burst of citrus goodness.
Step 5: Assembling the Bars
Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the crust. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the lemon layer, ensuring even coverage.
Step 6: Baking
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and deliciously bubbling. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Cooling
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is essential for them to set properly before you cut them into squares.
How to Serve Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
These bars are delightful served warm, but they also taste wonderful at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before serving. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
How to Store Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
To store your Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is cold. This is essential for achieving that crumble texture.
- Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best flavor; bottled alternatives may lack the bright taste.
- Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Add Ins: Consider adding shredded coconut or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling to taste.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Lemon Crumble Bars: Add fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries or raspberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bars: Incorporate a tablespoon of poppy seeds into the lemon filling for added crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewy texture that complements the crumble.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the lemon filling is set. You can gently shake the pan; if the center doesn’t jiggle, they are likely ready.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
You can make vegan Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and using vegan butter.
4. How do I make the bars more lemony?
For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon juice and zest in the filling. You can add up to an additional tablespoon of both if desired.
5. What can I serve with these bars?
These bars pair beautifully with beverages like tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling drink. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of yogurt or ice cream.
Conclusion
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a must-try for anyone looking for a bright and tasty treat. With their crunchy topping and zesty filling, they capture the essence of sunshine in each bite. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, these bars will surely bring joy to your table. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and share these delightful treats with family and friends! Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful combination of tangy lemon and hearty oats, perfect as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the crust, and crumble the remaining oat mixture over the lemon layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For added sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
