Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

These Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars feature a delightful combination of tart lemon filling sandwiched between buttery oatmeal layers. Perfectly sweet and tangy, these bars are ideal as a quick treat, picnic dessert, or afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect balance of bright citrus flavors paired with a comforting oatmeal crumble. Easy to prepare and bursting with fresh lemon zest, these crumble bars are perfect year-round and guaranteed to please a crowd. Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat or pack them for picnics and gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust and Crumble:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily remove bars later.

2. Make the Crust and Crumble:
   In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined. Press about two-thirds firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:
   Whisk sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest together until thickened and smooth.

4. Assemble the Bars:
   Spread lemon filling evenly over the crust layer. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly on top, gently pressing it down.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden and the edges bubble slightly. Let cool completely at room temperature.

6. Chill and Slice:
   Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, lift bars out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 bars

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Berry Lemon Bars: Add a layer of raspberry or blueberry jam beneath the lemon filling for a fruity twist.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour and oats to easily adapt this recipe.

• Coconut Lemon Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the oatmeal crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Store Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating:
Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, not reheated.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

Can I freeze Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars?

Yes, freeze bars individually wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

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These Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are sweet, tart, and buttery with a bright citrus filling nestled between layers of golden oat crumble. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this easy dessert bar recipe balances rich texture with refreshing lemon flavor.

• Author: Douaa
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust and Crumble:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour




• 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats




• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed




• ½ tsp baking soda




• ¼ tsp salt




• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk




• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)




• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

• Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
  Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.

• Make Crust & Crumble:
  In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Press ⅔ of mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust.

• Prepare Lemon Filling:
  In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and thick.

• Assemble Bars:
  Spread lemon filling over crust evenly. Crumble remaining oat mixture over the top, gently pressing it down.

• Bake:
  Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly at the edges. Let cool completely at room temperature.

• Chill & Slice:
  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.

Notes

• For added texture, mix chopped nuts into the crumble topping.

• Substitute lime juice for a tropical twist.

• Store chilled for up to 5 days.