Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

These delightful Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars are perfect for any occasion, offering a creamy lemon filling enveloped between two thick, crumbly oatmeal layers. Their unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes them an irresistible treat for dessert lovers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something zesty, these bars are sure to impress with their bright citrus notes and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The balance of creamy lemon and hearty oats creates a delightful taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply as an afternoon snack, these bars fit any occasion.
• Make Ahead Option: These Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand makes preparing your Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all your ingredients evenly without mess.
• Baking pan: A sturdy 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking and easy cutting into squares.

Ingredients

These easy Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars have a creamy lemon filling between two thick crumbly oatmeal layers. A delightful balance of sweet and tangy!

For the Crust and Topping

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling

• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 1/2 large lemons)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures proper cooking temperature for your bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, salt, baking soda, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Press Into the Baking Pan

Take about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture over the crust in the baking pan.

Step 5: Add Topping

Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top of the lemon filling evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars!

How to Serve Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

Serving Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars can elevate your dessert experience, making it even more enjoyable. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these bars can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries: Serve alongside a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Berry Compote: Drizzle a homemade berry compote over the bars for added sweetness and color.

With Whipped Cream

• Light Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a creamy texture.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Infuse whipped cream with vanilla or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon filling.
• Lemon Sorbet: For a zesty complement, serve with a scoop of lemon sorbet to enhance the citrus notes.

How to Perfect Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

To achieve the perfect Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars, consider these helpful tips that will make your baking process smoother and your results even more delicious.

• Bold Flavoring: Use freshly grated lemon zest to ensure the lemon flavor is vibrant.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before slicing; this helps them set properly.
• Even Layering: Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly in the pan to achieve uniform cooking and texture throughout.
• Proper Measuring: Accurately measure your ingredients, especially flour and oats, to maintain balance in texture and taste.
• Bake Evenly: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent cooking on all sides.
• Store Correctly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars are delightful on their own but can be complemented by some simple side dishes. Here are some tasty options that pair well with these bars.

1. Fresh Salad: A light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad can add sweetness and variety, balancing out the tartness of the bars.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese can offer a rich counterpoint to the lemon flavor.
4. Nuts and Dried Fruit: A small bowl of almonds or dried cranberries adds crunch and additional flavor complexity.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a wholesome side that complements dessert nicely.
6. Herbal Tea: Serve alongside herbal teas like chamomile or mint for a calming finish to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the zest: Not adding lemon zest can lead to a lack of intense lemon flavor. Make sure to zest your lemons before juicing them for maximum taste.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of light and crumbly. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t blend well with sugars and dry ingredients, leading to uneven texture. Always melt your butter before mixing it into the dry ingredients.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures in your bars. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking too little can result in a gooey center, while overbaking makes them dry. Keep an eye on the time and do a toothpick test to check doneness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store your Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent absorbing odors from other foods.

Freezing Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

• Duration: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months.
• Container: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve the best texture for Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars?

To get that perfect crumbly texture, avoid overmixing your ingredients. Mix just until combined to retain lightness.

Can I customize my Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can use evaporated milk mixed with sugar as an alternative. It will give you a similar creamy consistency without losing flavor.

How long do Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars last?

These delicious bars last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if properly frozen.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Lemon Cream Bars offer a delightful blend of creamy lemon filling paired with crumbly oatmeal layers that are simply irresistible. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Try making these bars today; they’re perfect for any occasion!

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