Red Currant Lemon Crumble Bars

The sun is shining, and you’re craving something sweet yet refreshing, right? Enter the Red Currant Lemon Crumble Bars. They strike that perfect balance between tart and sweet, and they’re surprisingly simple to make! Imagine sitting on your porch with a warm cup of coffee while savoring a bar that has a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lemon filling. It’s like a little piece of sunshine on your plate! Plus, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long week, these bars make for an impressive dessert. So, grab your apron, and let’s spread some joy in the kitchen as we whip up these delicious bars together. You won’t regret it!

Why This Recipe Works

These bars are downright delightful! The combination of tart red currants and zesty lemon curd creates a perfectly balanced flavor that’s hard to resist. Not just sweet, but with a punch of tartness that makes your taste buds dance.

Additionally, the buttery shortbread crust holds everything together while providing a delightful texture. It’s rich, crumbly, and complements the filling beautifully, creating a solid foundation for your creation.

Lastly, the oat crumble topping adds a comforting crunch. It enhances the overall experience by giving each bite a layer of texture that’s both satisfying and tasty. When you take a bite, you’ll notice how all these elements come together to form a snack that you’ll keep returning to, long after the plate is empty.

Why You’ll Love This Red Currant Lemon Crumble Bars

These bars are truly an exquisite treat for any occasion. Whether you’re having brunch with friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon, they pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

Another reason you’ll love them is the simple ingredients that come together to create something so impressive. It’s wonderful how you can whip up something that looks and tastes gourmet with just a few pantry staples!

Plus, the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness makes it a crowd-pleaser. Every bite brings a delicious burst of flavor that satisfies cravings without being overly sweet. So, you can serve them at a gathering without worrying—everyone will love them!

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust and Topping

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• ¾ cup Bob’s Red Mill extra thick rolled oats
• 3-4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

Lemon Curd

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest, finely chopped
• 4 egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Red Currant Filling

• 2 cups red currants (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Preparing the Shortbread Crust and Topping

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s happening, choose an 11″ x 8″ tart pan with a removable bottom, a 10″ springform pan, or a quarter sheet pan lined with parchment paper. This ensures easy clean-up and beautiful bars!

Mix Flour and Salt

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the salt and flour. It’s okay if it takes a minute; just be sure everything is combined. Set this mixture aside for now.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip them on medium/high speed for about 5 minutes until fluffy. It’s essential to scrape the bowl’s sides as you mix to ensure a well-blended mixture. Once fluffy, add in the vanilla and blend once more.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly reduce the mixer speed to low. Begin to gradually add the flour mixture and mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.

Form the Crust

Next, set aside ¾ cup of the dough. With the rest, evenly spread it into the bottom of your prepared pan, pressing gently to hold it in place. Make sure it slightly climbs up the sides; it’s all part of the charm!

Bake the Crust

Bake this crust for about 25 minutes until it turns golden brown and puffy. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this process!

Make the Oat Crumble

While that’s baking, combine the reserved dough with the oats using your fingers until evenly mixed. Pop this mixture into the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This ensures a lovely crumble texture when baked.

Preparing the Lemon Curd and Red Currant Filling

Combine Ingredients for Lemon Curd

Now, let’s get that zesty lemon curd ready! In either a bowl or the top of a double boiler, whisk together the sugar, lemon zest, and egg yolks. Place it over some simmering water and whisk continuously until the sugar dissolves.

Add Lemon Juice and Cook

As you’re whisking, start adding the lemon juice. Continue to stir while cooking for about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the butter and salt, stirring constantly until it thickens; this should reach about 170°F, creating a luscious lemon curd.

Strain the Curd

To ensure smooth curd, strain it through a fine mesh sieve and set this aside. If you’re not using it immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Prepare Red Currants

In another bowl, gently toss your red currants with the granulated sugar. This simple step allows the fruit to sweeten a bit while you finish the preparation.

Assemble and Bake

Layer the Ingredients

Start layering your beautiful creation! Spread the lemon curd evenly over the baked crust. Next, add the sugared red currants on top. Finally, sprinkle the oat crumble mixture generously over everything. For an extra pop of color, dot a few additional currants on top.

Bake the Bars

Bake the assembled bars for 35-40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping is slightly browned and the filling is softened and deepened in color.

Cool and Slice

Post-baking, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch. Then, let it cool slightly before removing from the pan and slicing into 12 equal bars. They look stunning, don’t they?

Serving Suggestions

These delightful bars can be enjoyed warm or cold. For an extra treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. The options are endless!

Tips for Success

• For a richer flavor, let the butter sit out at room temperature for a few hours before you mix it. This allows it to become nice and fluffy!
• Be sure to whisk the lemon curd continuously to avoid curdling. It may seem tedious, but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Consider substituting different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a twist that suits your taste buds! You can even add chopped nuts to the crumble for added texture and crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen red currants?
Absolutely! Frozen red currants work perfectly; just ensure they’re thawed and drained.

2. How long will the bars keep?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars can last up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze the Red Currant Lemon Crumble Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. It’s great for make-ahead convenience! Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

4. Can I make the lemon curd ahead of time?
For sure! Homemade lemon curd can be stored in the fridge for up to a week without any issues.

5. What’s the best way to serve these bars?
Serve them chilled with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and perhaps a side of fresh fruit or ice cream for an added touch of indulgence.

These Red Currant Lemon Crumble Bars bring the perfect mix of tart and sweet flavors together. They’re refreshing and offer a delightful treat for any occasion. So, whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or indulging solo, enjoy every single bite!

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