Lemon Crumb Squares-a recipe that’s been in our family for generations.
There is just something special and heartwarming about it. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, beautiful memories to go with it.
This is one of those recipes.
My Grandma used to make these bars for my Grandpa. He loved lemon (just like my youngest!). So when I make these bars, I remember them both with warmth. And now I get to share these with my beautiful family.
And I love that I have her recipe card, written in her handwriting. As you can see, the directions were minimal.
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Lemon Crumb Squares
from the kitchen of Agnes Quarles (my Grandma)
Lemon Crumb Squares
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Combine milk, lemon zest and lemon juice and set aside.
- In a separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients except butter. Stir to blend.
- Pour in butter and mix until a crumbly texture
- Pour 1/2 crumb mixture into a greased or parchment lined pan. For thick bars use an 8 x8, for thinner bars use a 9 x 13 inch.
- Press mixture down into pan to form a crust.
- Pour lemon mixture over crust and spread to corners.
- Crumble remaining crumb mixture over top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
- Let cool completely before cutting.
Notes
recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com
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Post script: Joan passed away in her sleep on October 22, 2015. She went to bed feeling nauseous (which is one of the signs of heart attacks in women) and never woke up. Please learn the signs of heart attack in women (they are different than for men) and if you have high blood pressure or family history of heart disease, don’t brush off nausea as just the flu. Joan made it very clear that she wanted her work to continue in the event of her death so her family is working to keep Joan’s dream alive. In the days following her death, Joan’s fellow bloggers started a twitter campaign #ChocolateForJoan and #chocolateeverydamnday. We hope you’ll join us in honoring Joan’s memory by having chocolate every day.
Carrie - ASassyRedhead.com says
Ohhh…love anything lemony!
AndiWinslow says
I have just printed this off. My daughter loves lemon, so I will have to make this for her next time she is home to visit. (lives in Texas I’m in Maine) Looks and sounds delish. Thanks, andi
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Those look so good! I love those recipes that are handed down. I really need to get my hands on my Nana’s old cookbook!
wefindourselveshilarious says
These look fabulous. I just unearthed a similar date bar recipe using this same technique. I cannot wait to try them.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
This looks great Joan, I love anything lemon!
mjskit says
I can’t resist these tried and true recipes! Even though I’m not a big baker, these lemon bars look too good to pass up. I love lemon and these look delicious!
LuxueuxYvonne says
just search chocolate ramdomly and found this site, your homemade foods really great!!wonderful site!
Mary says
These sound awesome and really different from the average lemon bar. I love recipes that survive the test of time like this. The fact it’s written by your grandma makes it even more special.
Anonymous says
An awesome way to preserve the handwritten recipe from your grandmother would be to frame it and hang it in your kitchen! What an awesome piece of decor!!
Alison @ Oopsey Daisy says
Oooo I love all things lemon! These look divine!!
Bake-A-Holic says
These look scrumptious. Love the texture of these. I’ll be making these soon. Thanks so much for sharing your grandma’s recipe with us!
Walking on Sunshine says
These look delicious. I love that you have the actual recipe card! What sweet memories. Please come and join us this week on Foodie Friends Friday!
P.J. Cimorelli says
I just have to say, each & everyday I look forward to seeing your recipes & website. And just like you said, even if there is a typo, we as ur readers know its a typo, and YET it gives all of us the joy of laughing with you. NOT at you!! When YOU can make someone else have a laugh of joy, YOU alone have made their day. Sometimes a laugh a day, KEEPS the frown away. We on the other side of the computer or laptop are in a depressed state of mind, either for health reasons or something else. But YOU my friend are there to pick up our day & make all of us smile. Keep on with ur super work & looking for ur jokes. But most of all sharing ur recipes from Agnes Quarles (your Grandma) with the rest of the world!! Love & Peace <3
NELDA GARZA ULRICG says
I AM SO ADDICTED TO CHOCOLATE,CHOCOLATE & MORE CHOCOLATE..I AM ON HERE 3 TIMES A DAY..I LOVE ALL YOUR AWESOME DELICIOUS RECIPES..I LOVE TO COOK & BAKE ..I LOVE MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE KITCHEN WITH ME AS WE MAKE GREAT MEALS & DESSERTS…I AM 50 & DISABLED SO I AM IN MY WHEELCHAIR CREATING WONDDERFUL MEMORIES OF OUR TIME TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR AWESOME RECIPES…OH & MY HUSBAND & SON THANK YOU ALSO…LOL… NELDA…<3
Martha Rice says
Her Grandma’s recipe calls for brown sugar and yours says sugar. Which is right?
Joan Hayes says
The recipe card says plain sugar, so that would be regular white granulated sugar.
Sherry says
Hi does the original recipe call for brown sugar? It looked like it in the print. Thanks for sharing can’t wait to try making some for my family:)
Joan Hayes says
The recipe card reads 1 c plain sugar, I went and checked the original card just to make sure. Hope you enjoy them!
Jen says
On those lemon bars, did you use an 8×8 or 9×13. Just wondered if those pics were the thicker bar:)
Joan Hayes says
I used an 8×8 baking dish.