why make this recipe
These Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars are bright, simple, and fast. The lemon filling gives a fresh taste and the oat crumble gives a nice texture. You can make them for a snack, a quick dessert, or a small party. They use common pantry items and bake in one pan.
introduction
This recipe makes a tangy lemon bar with a crunchy oat crust and topping. It is easy to follow and good for beginners. If you like easy oat treats, you might also like this banana oatmeal bars recipe for a different flavor.
how to make Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Make the crust and topping from the oat mix, press half in the pan, then pour the lemon filling and crumble the rest on top. Bake until the top is golden and the filling sets. For a similar method with oats in muffins, check this banana oatmeal muffins to see how oats hold together in other bakes.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for filling
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs. Mix in granulated sugar until smooth. Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the filling is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
how to serve Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Cut into squares once cool. Serve plain or dust with a little powdered sugar. These bars also go well with a small spoon of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert.
how to store Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Keep the bars in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Press the crust down firmly so it holds the filling.
- Let the bars cool fully so the lemon layer sets well.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
- If you want a new flavor idea, try a similar bar style like this caramel apple cheesecake bars.
- If the topping browns too fast, cover lightly with foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
variation (if any)
- Add a thin layer of cream cheese under the lemon filling for a creamier bar.
- Mix chopped nuts into the oat crumble for crunch.
- Use half lemon juice and half orange juice for a milder citrus taste.
- Replace some white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: You can, but fresh lemon juice and zest give a brighter, fresher flavor.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use certified gluten-free oats and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
Q: How do I know when the filling is set?
A: The filling should not be jiggly in the center. It will be slightly firm and the edges may puff a bit. It firms more as it cools.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a smaller pan (like 8×8) and check baking time earlier, start watching at 20 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Yes. Wrap squares well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Conclusion
For another take on oatmeal lemon bars and extra tips, see this detailed recipe at Oatmeal Lemon Crumble Bars – Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs. Mix in granulated sugar until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the lemon filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the filling is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.