Lemon Crumb Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust and Topping

01 - 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ cup granulated sugar
06 - ½ cup packed light brown sugar
07 - ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Lemon Filling

09 - 1 can (396g/14oz) sweetened condensed milk
10 - 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
11 - ½ cup fresh lemon juice
12 - 2 large egg yolks

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with baking spray.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda.
03 - Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until evenly distributed.
04 - Mix the melted butter and vanilla extract, then add them to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined and crumbly.
05 - Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
06 - Bake for 15 minutes until slightly firm but not browned.
07 - While the crust is baking, whisk together the condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined.
08 - Once the crust is done, pour the lemon filling over it. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top.
09 - Bake for an additional 20–22 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is just set.
10 - Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
11 - For cleaner slices, chill the bars thoroughly or freeze briefly before cutting to prevent the filling from oozing.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra treat, dip the bottom half of the frozen bars in melted white chocolate. Place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until set.