If you’re in the mood for a treat that combines brightness with a touch of indulgence, look no further than these Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars. With their buttery, crumbly crust and a creamy, tangy lemon filling, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and zest. The subtle crunch of poppy seeds brings an extra layer of texture, making each bite a little more special. These bars are not only beautiful but also versatile enough for any occasion, from tea parties to picnics or even as a refreshing afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

These Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars bring together some of the best flavors and textures. The buttery crust acts as the perfect base for a creamy lemon filling, which has just the right amount of tartness. The poppy seeds add a fun crunch and subtle nuttiness, elevating the flavor without overpowering the lemon. And with a crumbly topping that’s just slightly golden from baking, each bar is a delightful harmony of soft, creamy, and crisp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, with a few extras to bring that lemony poppy seed goodness:

Crust: A mix of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and melted butter creates a tender, crumbly crust that holds up well against the filling.
Lemon Filling: Sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds combine for a filling that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can make these bars at home with ease.

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re done.

2. Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Drizzle in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve one cup of this mixture for the topping, then press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of your prepared dish to create an even crust.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. The lemon juice and zest bring a refreshing brightness, while the condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon filling over the pressed crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

5. Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before slicing. This step is essential for clean cuts and to ensure the filling is properly set. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars

Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if you can.
Chill Before Serving: These bars taste even better when chilled, as the flavors meld and the texture firms up.
Experiment with Toppings: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can add a nice finishing touch.

Enjoy the Zesty Bliss!

These Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Perfectly sweet with a tangy twist, they’re versatile enough for any event or craving. So grab a few lemons, a poppy seed jar, and get baking!

Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars

Author: Alice

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and zesty flavors. With a buttery crumb crust and a creamy, tangy lemon filling enhanced by the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crust:
– 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Lemon Filling:
– 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
– 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour and baking powder. Drizzle the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping and press the rest into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds until well combined.
5. Pour the lemon filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
6. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the lemon filling.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
8. Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before cutting into squares.

0 Shares