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Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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 23 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.