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Delicious Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars topped with oats and lemon zest

Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Delightful bars that blend the tartness of lemon with the comforting texture of oatmeal, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Topping
  • 1 cup Rolled Oats Use rolled oats for the best crunch; can substitute with quick oats for a softer texture.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Sift to avoid clumps; can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar Press lightly to pack for accurate measurement; can substitute with white sugar.
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar Avoid using too much sugar; coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor.
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter Ensure it’s softened but not melted for proper mixing; can substitute with coconut oil.
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda Check expiration date for effectiveness.
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt Essential for balancing the sweetness.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Lemon Juice Use juice from fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled juice can be a substitute in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Use a microplane for tiny shavings; essential for flavor.
  • 2 large Eggs Bring to room temperature for easier mixing; can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch Mix with lemon juice before adding to prevent lumps; arrowroot powder works as an alternative.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment for easy removal.
  2. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir together until well mixed.
  3. Cut in the softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Reserve about 1½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, and cornstarch until smooth.
  2. Pour the lemon mixture over the crust in the pan.
Baking and Serving
  1. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  3. Cut into squares and serve on a decorative plate. These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb topping. Customize with nuts or dried fruits mixed into the filling.