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Lemon Cream Crumble Bars with Whipped Topping are the perfect treat for summertime gatherings. These delightful bars feature a smooth and tangy lemon filling nestled between a buttery crumble crust and topping. Each bite is refreshing and satisfying, making them an ideal dessert for picnics, barbecues, or just a sunny day at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Lemon Cream Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy lemon filling is perfectly balanced with the sweet and crumbly topping. They’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with friends and family.
- Refreshing lemon flavor that’s perfect for summer.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Great for sharing at gatherings and parties.
- Can be made in advance for convenience.
- Customizable with different toppings or mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup whipped topping (for serving)
How to Make Lemon Cream Crumble Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar (for the filling), lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the lemon filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped topping.
Tips for the Best Results
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To ensure your Lemon Cream Crumble Bars turn out perfectly, consider these tips:
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor—avoid bottled options.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to achieve cleaner edges.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for a couple of hours for a refreshing treat.
Easy Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Lemon Cream Crumble Bars:
- Add blueberries or raspberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist.
- Incorporate a layer of lemon curd for extra zing.
- Top with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Swap out lemon for lime or orange for a different citrus flavor.
What to Serve With It
These bars pair wonderfully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
- Fresh fruit salad for a light contrast.
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Lemon Cream Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a microwave for a few seconds until just warm, but be careful not to overheat.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Yield/Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup whipped topping (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar (for the filling), lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with whipped topping.
Notes: For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Chill before serving for a refreshing dessert.
