Lemon Curd-Poppy Seed Crumb Bars

Ingredients

• 0.75 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x9-inch pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang all sides.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and almond extract until thoroughly combined. Add in flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds and mix until combined.

3. 3

   Measure out about 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve remaining mixture to use as the crumb topping.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven until crust is just beginning to turn golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Mix lemon curd, lemon zest, flour, egg, vanilla extract, and salt together in a bowl with a whisk or electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Pour in sweetened condensed milk and mix until combined.

6. 6

   Remove crust from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour filling over crust and smooth into an even layer using a spatula. Sprinkle reserved crumbs evenly over filling.

7. 7

   Bake until bars look set, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Place bars into the refrigerator until chilled, at least 4 hours. Cut into 16 bars before serving.