Zippy Oatmeal Lemon Creme Bars Recipe: Easy Sweet Treats

Zesty lemons and creamy oatmeal combine in this irresistible oatmeal lemon creme bars recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The bright citrus notes dance perfectly with the rich, buttery oatmeal base.

Each bar delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that melt in your mouth.

Bakers searching for a simple yet impressive dessert will adore this crowd-pleasing treat.

The recipe comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients and minimal effort.

Layers of golden oatmeal crust and silky lemon filling create a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Get ready to wow everyone with these irresistible bars that are sure to become a new favorite.

Steps to Make Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars

• Citrus Cookie Base

Gather your baking tools and kitchen enthusiasm for a zesty dessert adventure. You’ll transform simple ingredients into a tangy, sweet masterpiece that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Crumbly Foundation

Create a delightful mixture blending butter, sugar, and oats into a texture that promises delicious comfort. Press this golden mixture into your baking pan, forming a sturdy platform for lemony magic.

• Lemon Dream Layer

Whisk together smooth condensed milk with bright citrus notes. This creamy layer will bring sunshine and sparkle to your dessert, infusing each bite with refreshing flavor.

• Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture across the lemon landscape. This will create a beautiful, rustic appearance with little peaks and valleys of golden goodness.

• Baking Transformation

Send your creation into a warm oven where chemistry works its magic. Watch as the edges turn golden and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that signals something wonderful is happening.

• Cooling and Setting

Allow your bars to rest and cool completely. Refrigeration will help them firm up, making cutting and serving a smooth experience. Patience rewards you with perfect, slice-able treats.

Flavor Twists for Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars

• Lemon Zest Magic: Boost the citrus flavor by adding extra lemon zest to the filling for a brighter, more intense taste sensation.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans into the oat mixture for added texture and a delightful nutty undertone.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Creamy Topping Twist: Dollop a bit of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting on top just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: These bars keep perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them ideal for advance preparation and quick dessert options.

Serving Tips for Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars

• Zesty Brunch Delight: Serve these bars alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing morning treat that will brighten everyone's day.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative plate with mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation perfect for afternoon tea or dinner parties.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these portable bars in individual wax paper wraps for outdoor gatherings, summer picnics, or lunch box surprises that offer a tangy, sweet escape from ordinary snacks.
• Gourmet Gift Option: Wrap the bars in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon, transforming them into a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and culinary creativity for friends and family.

Storage Plan for Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep bars in an airtight container within refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 5 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual bars separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, maintaining quality for 3 months.
• Chilling Magic: Refrigerate bars minimum 30 minutes before serving to enhance lemon flavor and achieve perfect texture consistency.
• Easy Portioning Trick: Cut bars into uniform squares using sharp knife, wiping blade clean between cuts for neat, professional presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars

• Butter: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients together, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture, look for freshly packaged sugar without hardened clumps.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and texture for the bar's foundation, opt for unbleached flour for better taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Baking Powder: Helps create light and airy texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor, select thick-cut rolled oats for best consistency.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates smooth, creamy filling with natural sweetness, choose full-fat version for richness.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, Lemon Extract: Delivers bright, tangy citrus flavor and aromatic notes, use fresh lemons for maximum zestiness and vibrant taste.

Baking Tools for Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, creating a smooth and crumbly base.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining butter, sugar, and dry ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients and preparing the lemon filling.
• 8×8-inch square baking pan: Crucial for creating the bar's shape and even baking.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients and lemon filling smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grater: Great for zesting fresh lemons.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and scrape mixture from bowls.
• Sharp knife: Ideal for cutting bars into clean, precise squares.

Zesty Oatmeal Lemon Creme Bars

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful oatmeal lemon creme bars blend zesty citrus with creamy sweetness, creating a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. Crumbly oat layers and silky lemon filling will make you crave another bite of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 tsps lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp lemon extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Creaming: Blend butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the oat bars.
3. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder together, then fold in oats to create a uniform dry ingredient blend.
4. Dough Formation: Merge dry ingredients with butter mixture, forming a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough that will serve as the bar’s foundation and topping.
5. Base Layer: Press approximately three-quarters of the oat mixture firmly into the pan, creating a compact and even base for the lemon filling.
6. Lemon Filling: Combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract in a bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Filling Application: Distribute the zesty lemon mixture evenly over the oat base, ensuring complete coverage and a consistent layer.
8. Topping: Scatter the remaining oat mixture over the lemon filling, generating a rustic, textured surface that will bake to a golden finish.
9. Baking: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a rich, golden-brown color and the filling sets.
10. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the bars for clean, precise slicing.
11. Serving: Cut into individual bars and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy the tangy, sweet treat.

Notes

• Prepare Ahead: Refrigerate bars for at least 30 minutes to achieve perfect slicing and a firm, clean-cut texture.
• Zesty Tip: Use fresh lemons for maximum flavor intensity, grating zest and squeezing juice directly from ripe citrus fruits.
• Texture Trick: Press oat mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy, compact base that holds the creamy lemon filling.
• Storage Secret: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful taste and consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg