Description
Zesty lemon creme bars elevate classic oatmeal desserts with tangy citrus and creamy richness. Crumbly oat layers and silky lemon filling create an irresistible treat perfect for afternoon tea or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to transform butter and brown sugar into a delicate, crumbly texture.
- Separately, combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a smaller vessel, then gently fold in the oats until evenly distributed.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough.
- Gently press approximately three-quarters of the oat mixture into the pan’s base, forming a compact foundation for the bars.
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and aromatic lemon extract in a separate bowl.
- Carefully pour the zesty lemon mixture over the oat base, ensuring an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.
- Delicately sprinkle the remaining oat mixture across the lemon filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns a golden, inviting shade of brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them set and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
- Once chilled, slice into individual bars and keep refrigerated until ready to serve and savor.
Notes
- Delightful dessert bars blend tangy lemon with sweet oatmeal crust for a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Zesty lemon filling nestled between buttery oat layers creates a refreshing and indulgent bar that balances creamy and crisp textures.
- Chilling the bars helps set the filling and intensifies the bright citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg