Zesty Lemon Yogurt Crumble Bars

Lemon Yogurt Bars Recipe 🍋🍰

There’s nothing quite like the zesty, refreshing taste of lemon, especially when it’s perfectly blended with creamy yogurt in a delightful bar cookie. This recipe, which was handed down from my mom, has become a family favorite. While we’ve experimented with different yogurt flavors, the consensus is clear: lemon reigns supreme!

Cooking Time and Preparation

Ingredients 🛒

These ingredients are perfectly balanced to create 16 delectable lemon yogurt bars:

• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• 1 cup of lemon yogurt
• 1/2 cup of margarine
• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

Nutritional Information per Serving 🍋

For those who are conscious about their nutritional intake, here’s a quick breakdown of what each bar contains:

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Fat Content: 6.6 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol Content: 27.1 mg
• Sodium Content: 86.1 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 22.7 g
• Fiber Content: 0.3 g
• Sugar Content: 13.7 g
• Protein Content: 2.7 g

Detailed Recipe Instructions 📜

Follow these steps to create your own batch of Lemon Yogurt Bars:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s perfectly heated by the time your ingredients are ready to go.

2. Prepare the Crumb Base:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of margarine. Blend these ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly. This crumb mixture will form the base of your bars.
   • Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture and set it aside for later use.

3. Form the Crust:

   • Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8-inch baking pan. This will create a solid base for your bars.
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial bake will set the crust and prepare it to hold the filling.

4. Prepare the Lemon Yogurt Filling:

   • In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of lemon yogurt. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

5. Assemble the Bars:

   • Once the crust is done baking, carefully pour the lemon yogurt mixture over the hot crust. Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
   • Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the top of the lemon yogurt layer.

6. Final Bake:

   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The topping should turn a light golden brown, and the filling should be set.

7. Cooling:

   • Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial as it allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Once cooled, you can cut the Lemon Yogurt Bars into 16 squares. These bars are perfect for a midday snack, a delightful dessert after a meal, or a refreshing treat at a summer gathering. Serve them chilled for an extra refreshing taste, especially during hot weather.

Variations and Tips 📝

• Yogurt Flavors: While lemon yogurt is highly recommended for its zesty freshness, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors like strawberry, blueberry, or even peach for a different twist.
• Substitute for Margarine: If you prefer, you can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor in the crumb base.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a healthier version, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup in place of white sugar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these sweeteners are often sweeter than sugar.

Final Thoughts 💭

Lemon Yogurt Bars are not only simple to make but also delightfully delicious and refreshing. They strike a perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making them an instant hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof, promising a delightful treat every time.

Enjoy these scrumptious bars, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family! 🍋💛