Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

If you dream about a treat that merges sweet, jammy fruit with a buttery, crumbly crust and topping, look no further than these Strawberry Crumb Bars. Every bite is a celebration of juicy strawberries tucked between layers of golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumbs—it’s honestly the dessert you make for every occasion or simply because it’s Wednesday. Whether you serve them as an afternoon pick-me-up or bring a batch to your next get-together, these bars are as easy as they are irresistible, putting fresh berries front and center in the most delicious way.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Crumb Bars is that every ingredient is a hero in its own right. From the rich butter that creates the ultimate crumb to the bright strawberries that offer a burst of color and flavor, each item works harmoniously to deliver dreamy results. Let’s break down what you need and why!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bar’s structure, it keeps everything together while staying delightfully tender.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, both to the crumb and the fruit filling.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery taste—make sure it’s cold for the best crumbs!
• Baking powder: Lifts the dough slightly, giving the base a tender bite and preventing it from being too dense.
• Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and makes the sweetness and the berries sing.
• Egg: Helps bind the crumb mixture and adds a bit of richness to the dough.
• Fresh strawberries: The undisputed star of Strawberry Crumb Bars, juicy and vivid for the perfect centerpiece.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling—a small touch goes a long way for a luscious consistency.
• Lemon juice (optional): Lends brightness and enhances the berry flavor, perfectly balancing the sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Mixture

Start by combining your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Give everything a whisk to evenly distribute those dry ingredients. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips, working quickly so the butter stays cold—this is the trick for those irresistibly tender crumbs. Mix in the egg until you’ve got a sandy mixture with some chunks (those chunks will become the crunchy toppers everyone fights over).

Step 2: Press in the Crust

Take a little more than half of your crumb mixture and press it firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan to form a solid, even base. Press just enough for the crust to hold together, but don’t overwork it—you still want that buttery tenderness after baking.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

Hull and slice your fresh strawberries, then toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice if you like things extra tangy. Stir until the berries are evenly coated and shine with syrupy goodness—this juicy mixture will bake into the bars and give them their signature fruity stripe.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Spread the strawberry filling right over your crust, making sure to reach the corners for bites of fruit in every square. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberries, letting it fall in big and small clumps for the best variety of textures once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like pure summer! Let the Strawberry Crumb Bars cool completely in the pan—they’ll firm up as they rest, making them easy to slice into neat squares.

How to Serve Strawberry Crumb Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, bakery-style finish, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream amps up the indulgence. For a pop of color, garnish with a few halved strawberries or sprinkle over some finely grated lemon zest just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Crumb Bars with a big pitcher of homemade lemonade, freshly brewed iced tea, or even your favorite coffee for a beautifully balanced snack or dessert. They also shine alongside a platter of mixed berries or a tangy fruit salad if you want to play up those fresh, seasonal vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into little diamonds or tiny squares and serve them on a tiered dessert tray for an afternoon tea. Or, stack them in parchment-lined jars or boxes as a charming edible gift. For a fun picnic twist, wrap individual bars and toss into your basket for an on-the-go treat everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days—they’ll stay fresh, with the crumb still nice and tender.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and you can enjoy their summertime flavor for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love warm pastry, pop a bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven until just heated through. This makes the strawberry filling extra jammy and the crumbs as inviting as if they were just baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them first to avoid too much extra moisture in your filling. Frozen berries make Strawberry Crumb Bars an all-season delight.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice?

Lemon juice is optional, but it really brightens the strawberry flavor and balances out the sweetness. If you love a little zing, don’t skip it!

Can I substitute other fruits?

Definitely. This crumb bar base is universal—mix things up with blueberries, raspberries, or even a combo of berries for a unique spin on the classic Strawberry Crumb Bars.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Let your bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. For absolute perfection, pop the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one that contains xanthan gum is best), and you’ll still end up with lovely, crumbly Strawberry Crumb Bars.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to make a sweet memory out of simple ingredients, you can’t go wrong with Strawberry Crumb Bars. They’re every bit as wonderful for sharing as they are for savoring solo. Try them once, and I have a feeling they’ll find a spot in your regular dessert rotation!

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