Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars

There’s something incredibly special about the first time you take a bite of Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars. The moment the bright, zesty flavor of the lemons dances on your tongue, you know you’ve found a winner. I remember the first time I made these bars for a spring gathering. Friends and family were drawn to the kitchen by the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air. It’s a memory that brings a smile to my face each time I whip up a batch. These bars are a delightful blend of tart and sweet, with a crumbly streusel topping that adds the perfect finishing touch. They’re not just dessert; they’re a celebration of the season, a reminder of sunny days ahead. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Let me take you on a journey to recreate this simple yet elegant treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars

The ingredients for Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars are not only accessible but also harmonious. Each component contributes to the overall richness and flavor profile of the bars. You’ll find a blend of tart and sweet flavors paired with a delightful crumbly texture, making every bite a delightful experience.

• Pam Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing the bars from sticking, ensuring a clean release from the pan.
• Flour: The foundation of the crust and streusel, providing the structure needed for these bars.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemons, adding sweetness to both the crust and filling.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, creating a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavors, making the sweet notes pop.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, creating a tender crust and crumbly topping.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together, providing moisture and richness to the filling.

Making This Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars

Creating Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all levels. Follow these steps for a delicious treat that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This ensures that the bars bake evenly.
2. Take a 9 x 13-inch pan and line it with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Spray the foil with PAM Cooking Spray to prevent any sticking.
3. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ⅓ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
4. Add ½ cup of butter, cut into small pieces, to the bowl. Using your fingers, pinch and rub the butter into the flour mixture until no large pieces are visible. It should resemble sandy crumbs.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs until well combined. Pour the whisked eggs into the dough and mix until everything is incorporated and forms a cohesive dough.
6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12 x 16-inch rectangle. Fit this rectangle into your prepared pan, trimming any excess so that there’s about a ½-inch edge going up the sides of the pan.
7. To prevent the crust from puffing up while baking, place a rectangle of parchment paper on top of it and weigh it down with dried beans or pie weights. Bake this for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and beans and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
8. While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, ⅓ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder along with a pinch of salt. Add melted butter to the mixture and combine with a rubber spatula until crumbly. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
9. For the filling, whisk together 2 eggs and the zest of the Meyer lemons in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the juice of the Meyer lemons with ⅓ cup of sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Combine both mixtures and pour over the baked crust.
10. Bake the filled crust for 15 to 20 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Finally, sprinkle the crumbly topping over the filling and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and cut them into squares.

Recipe Notes about Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about five days while the flavors meld.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Variations: Consider adding fresh berries or nuts to the crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: These bars pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks.
• Presentation: Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for an inviting look.

What to Serve Alongside Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars

• Tea or Coffee: Serving Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars with a warm beverage enhances their citrusy flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Pair them with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet on the side can elevate this dessert experience.
• Cheese Platter: These bars work well alongside a cheese platter for a sweet and savory combination.
• Brunch Events: Perfect for brunch gatherings, they add a sweet finish to a savory meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of spring with their bright and zesty flavors. I encourage you to try making these bars for yourself; they’re sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome—happy baking!

Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars. These easy-to-make bars feature a buttery crust, a sweet and tart filling, and a crunchy topping, making them the ultimate springtime treat. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, you won't be able to resist their delightful charm!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 Pam Cooking Spray
• 2 cups Flour
• ⅓ cup Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ⅛ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 eggs, whisked together

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with PAM Cooking Spray.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350º.
3. To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and stir to combine.
4. Add butter pieces and using your fingers pinch and rub the butter till it's totally worked into flour (no big pieces will be visible).
5. Mix eggs into the dough until well incorporated.
6. Knead gently in the bowl till the dough comes together.
7. On a floured surface roll dough to a 12 x 16-inch rectangle. Fit into the prepared 9 x 13 pan and trim so there's just a ½-inch edge going up the sides of the pan.
8. Put a rectangle of parchment on top of the bottom crust and weigh it down with dried beans or pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove parchment and beans and bake for 5 more minutes. Cool on rack.
9. To make the topping, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
10. Add melted butter and combine with a rubber spatula.
11. Spread out on a baking sheet, breaking into small crumbs. Bake 15-20 minutes, till golden brown. Cool on rack. If necessary, break it into small crumbs when cool.
12. To make the filling, whisk eggs and zest in a bowl. Mix lemon juice and sugar in another bowl to dissolve sugar. Stir egg and juice mixtures together. Pour over the crust and bake for 15-20 minutes.
13. Sprinkle with the crumb topping and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
14. Cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into bars.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly for up to three months.
• Tip 3: Consider adding fresh berries or nuts to the crumb topping for extra flavor.
• Tip 4: Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
• Tip 5: Pair with tea or coffee for a delightful experience.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.