Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Oat Bars are a delightful treat that combine the chewy texture of oats with the bright and tangy flavor of lemons. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. These bars are great for a snack or dessert and are sure to brighten your day. Plus, they use simple ingredients that you likely have on hand!
How to Make Lemon Oat Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until it becomes crumbly.
- Take half of this mixture (about 2 cups) and set it aside for later.
- Spread the remaining mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish and press it firmly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
- In another large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, egg yolks, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked oat crust, then crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top.
- Bake again for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Oat Bars
Lemon Oat Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee!
How to Store Lemon Oat Bars
To store Lemon Oat Bars, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Lemon Oat Bars
- Make sure to press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish to create a stable crust.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for the best flavor, so avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator to help them set before cutting for neat squares.
Variation
For a different twist, you can add a layer of fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries on top of the lemon mixture before adding the reserved oat crumble. This adds a delicious fruity taste!
FAQs
1. Can I use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Quick cooking oats make the bars chewier.
2. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
You can use coconut cream or a homemade dairy-free condensed milk if you want a dairy-free option.
3. How can I make the bars less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the crust or use a sugar substitute in the lemon filling to lower the sweetness.
Lemon Oat Bars
Ingredients
For the oat crust
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the lemon filling
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until it becomes crumbly.
- Take half of this mixture (about 2 cups) and set it aside for later.
- Spread the remaining mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish and press it firmly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
Lemon Filling
- In another large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, egg yolks, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked oat crust, then crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top.
- Bake again for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.