1. Zesty & Sweet : The tartness of fresh lemons balances perfectly with the sweetness of the filling and crumb topping.
2. Crumbly Perfection : The buttery crust and streusel topping create a satisfying contrast to the smooth lemon layer.
3. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
4. Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for potlucks, parties, or gifting.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Can be prepared in advance and stored for quick desserts throughout the week.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter , cold and cubed

For the Lemon Filling:

• 2 large eggs , room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2–3 lemons)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

1. Bake the crust for 15 minutes , or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set (it should not jiggle when gently shaken).
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before cutting.