Lemon Curd Bars

The charm of this lemon curd bar recipe lies in its delightful oatmeal-based crust, a unique twist that adds texture and depth. The precise balance of the homemade lemon curd layer is equally appealing, meticulously crafted to ensure it’s neither too overwhelming nor too subtle.

Whenever I make lemon curd, I always add it to a few recipes: this delicious dessert and my lemon curd margarita.

Lemon-baked goods remind me of my grandmother! She was a great cook and baker but she made the best lemon desserts. I wish I could taste her lemon meringue pies. I have made her lemon bread and muffins.

Lemon is one of the few flavors I would pick over chocolate. Lemon desserts and cocktails are so scrumptious!

I love the taste of the oat/flour/butter mixture that serves as both the crust and the topping. It sandwiches the perfect amount of lemon curd and starts my heart singing!

We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.

Helpful tips

• Focus on the crust since you already have your curd ready. An oatmeal base is unique – ensure your oats are old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Keep the butter cold to achieve a flaky, crisp texture.
• Ensure your butter is at room temperature before placing it in your mixer. I’m using unsalted butter.
• Make your own lemon curd as it is so easy. I would not recommend using canned lemon filling.
• When adding your homemade lemon curd to the crust, aim for an even layer. The right thickness ensures every bite has a harmonious balance of crust and curd.
• I’m using brown sugar because I love the depth of flavor, but you can also use granulated sugar.
• Grease the pan liberally. You can use either butter or Crisco shortening. You can also cut a sheet of parchment paper and place it in the bottom of the pan. If you do, grease that as well.
• For neatly sliced bars, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife after each cut to maintain clean edges.
• Since you’re using homemade curd, adjust the sweetness of the crust accordingly. If your curd is more tart, a slightly sweeter crust can complement it well.
• Although I don’t do this as it has a top crust, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness.
• Serve them chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. The texture and flavor profile can change slightly with the temperature.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They usually keep well for up to a week.
• When you bake these bars, the lemon curd more often than not gets crispy around the sides. Don’t worry about it. They are yummy taste treats and the crispy sides are fun to eat first.

How to make lemon curd bars

Pre-step

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and liberally grease an 8 x 8 pan. Get a stand mixer, or an electric mixer, and a rubber spatula.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, room-temperature butter, and baking soda. (A)

Step two

Grab your stand mixer and place 6 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in it.  Turn the mixer on medium and cream the two ingredients together. (B)

Step three

Add 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup rolled oats, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (C) Turn the mixer on again and mix until everything is incorporated.

Step four

Take 3/4 of the dough and press it in the greased baking pan. (D)

Step five

Spoon some out of the jar of lemon curd and spread about 1.5 – 2 cups of the curd on the dough layer. (E)

Step six

Take the rest of the oat mixture and crumble it over the lemon curd. (F)

Step seven

Place the pan into the oven and bake for 20 – 25 minutes.

Let the lemon bars cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before you cut into them.

Time to serve the lemon bars.

Doesn’t that look good?  I like the crispy little edges.  When I’m left to my own devices, I eat that part first.

Soooooo good.

I hope you enjoyed this lemon curd bars recipe!

Other dessert recipes

• Apple walnut cake
• Whoopie pie cake
• Pistachio chocolate cake
• Cheesecake

And as always, may all your dishes be delish.

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST  to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Originally published May of 2017.