Several years ago I baked up a batch of streusel bars that were positively amazing. Since then I have used that recipe to make a few different variations, including these wonderful lemon streusel squares. The original recipe was for a cherry and berry combination that just melts in your mouth.
Don’t be afraid to try different flavors, this recipe is very adaptable and absolutely satisfying.
Lemon Streusel Squares
Your food processor makes quick work of this recipe, but I’m sure you could do it by hand as well. It might just take a little longer. The upside is that you would have fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients for Lemon Streusel Squares
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz jar of lemon curd
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- In the food processor, pulse the flour and sugar together then add the vanilla, pulse it a few more times to combine.
- Add 1 cup of cold butter all at once.
- Process until coarse crumbs are formed, just as the dough begins to come together.
- Dump two-thirds of the crumb mixture into prepared pan and press evenly. Set remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
- Spread lemon curd over the crumb crust.
- Sprinkle remaining topping over the curd.
Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven to wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
For the glaze, add lemon extract, melted butter and one tablespoon of the milk to the powdered sugar. Stir to combine and add small amounts of remaining milk, as needed, until you reach a thick drizzling consistency.
Drizzle over individual squares. Allow glaze to set before serving.
These lemon streusel squares are one of my favorite dessert bar recipes! I hope you get a chance to try them, they are absolutely delicious!
More amazing dessert bar recipes
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Cranberry Caramel Bars
- Funfetti Marshmallow Cereal Bars
- Berrylicious Cookie Bars
Lemon Streusel Squares
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
For the bars
- 2 ½ cups unbleached all purpose flour
- â…” cup sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz jar lemon curd
For the icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x9 square baking pan.
- In bowl of your food processor, pulse to combine flour and sugar. Add vanilla extract and pulse two or three times to combine. Add butter all at once and process until coarse crumbs are formed, just as the dough begins to come together. Dump two-thirds of the crumb mixture into prepared pan and press evenly. Set remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
- Spread lemon curd over the crumb crust. Sprinkle remaining topping over the curd.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven to wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- For the glaze, add lemon extract, melted butter and one tablespoon of the milk to the powdered sugar. Stir to combine and add small amounts of remaining milk, as needed, until you reach a thick drizzling consistency. Drizzle over individual squares. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared on this blog on Feb 19, 2014.
Amanda Davis
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kris says
This is my FAVORITE recipe to bring to parties, especially in the summer (but I also make them year round)! They’re gobbled up quick, I usually have to make a double batch. I secretly cut them up and bring them on a platter so no one notices that I kept a couple of pieces at home for myself. Thank you for this recipe!
Cindy says
The best recipe ever! I will use this many many more times. Thank you!
Amanda Davis says
So glad you loved them!
Kami says
So easy to make but tastes like you did a lot of work! I used homemade lemon curd. I bet it would be good with any fruit filling! Delish. I got asked for the recipe the first time I made it.
Cathy Cormier says
Want to make these can you double the recipe to make a 13×9?
Amanda Formaro says
That should work
susanne says
just wondering if these can be frozen
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t tried freezing them, but I don’t see why not :)
DeeDee Morado says
I live in Mexico—lemon curd is out of the question. Can I use fresh lemon & how much should I use?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi DeeDee. I have seen recipes for homemade lemon curd. Here is one http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lemon-curd-2/
Linda W says
Anything with lemon is YUMMY!!! Welcome back….missed you and your great recipes :)
Blessings,
Linda
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you LInda!
Ksenij says
They look so delicious -I can’t wait to make them!
Thank you for this recipe.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks for stopping by Ksenij!
Afner says
Wow, these look fantastic! Got to give them a go!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Afner, they are delicious, hope you like them!
sara davis says
You have some delicious recipes
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Sara!
Lorraine says
Lemon is such a wonderful flavor in desserts and your recipe looks delicious!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Lorraine!