Bright, tangy, and irresistibly crumbly, these Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery oat crust, creamy lemon filling, and a crisp crumble topping, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Made with pantry staples, these bars are ideal for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a sweet treat with your favorite cup of tea.

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Ingredients

For the Crust & Crumble Topping:

7 tablespoons (99g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (85g) old-fashioned oats

For the Lemon Filling:

1 can (14 ounces) full-fat sweetened condensed milk
6 tablespoons (90ml) fresh lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (approx. 1 lemon)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make Crust & Topping

In a mixer, beat softened butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until smooth (~1 minute).
Add vanilla extract and beat for 30 seconds more.
Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and oats until crumbly. This should yield about 3–3.5 cups of mixture.

Step 3: Form Crust

Press slightly more than half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from oven.

Step 4: Prepare Lemon Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble Bars

Pour lemon filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Avoid over-baking.

Step 7: Cool & Slice

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Lift bars using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Pro Tips

Use Full-Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk: For a creamy, thick lemon filling, full-fat is essential.
Pre-Made Crumble: You can prepare the crust and topping a day in advance. Store in an airtight container until ready to bake.
Even Baking: Ensure your pan is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Avoid Over-Baking: The bars set further as they cool, so remove them when edges are just golden.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture: Buttery base, creamy filling, and crunchy topping create a delightful contrast.
Bright Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest give a refreshing, zesty tang.
Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for easy preparation.

Substitutions & Variations

Oats: Quick oats can be used, but old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewiness.
Lemon Flavor: For a softer citrus note, substitute half the lemon juice with lime or orange juice.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Alternative: Evaporated milk with sugar may be used, though texture will differ slightly.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge up to 1 week.
Freezing: Layer bars with parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Serving Ideas

Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Perfect for afternoon tea, picnics, or holiday dessert trays.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32.3 g
Protein: 3.7 g
Fat: 7.7 g
Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
Cholesterol: 31 mg
Sodium: 133 mg
Fiber: 2.4 g
Sugar: 18.1 g
Vitamin C: 6 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but old-fashioned oats provide the ideal chewy texture.

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Can I make the crust and topping ahead?
Absolutely! Store separately in an airtight container until ready to bake.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze in a single layer with parchment between layers for up to 3 months.

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How do I prevent sticking?
Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal from the pan.

These Zesty Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a crowd-pleaser with their buttery crust, creamy lemon filling, and crisp crumble topping. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for family gatherings, dessert tables, or a simple indulgence anytime.