Zesty Lemon Crumb Delight Bars 

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1 large egg yolk

For the Lemon Filling:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– Zest of 2 lemons
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk until combined.

3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar and 2 eggs until well combined and slightly frothy. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, ¼ cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

5. Combine and Bake: Carefully pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the lemon filling, making sure to cover it evenly. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out, then cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 16 bars