The Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet summer memories dance through every bite of these delectable lemon strawberry crumb bars that burst with vibrant flavor.

Tangy strawberries mingle with bright citrus notes in a buttery, crumbly base that melts in your mouth.

Each layer promises a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Soft, jammy fruit nestles between golden, crisp crumb layers that hint at homemade comfort.

The simple ingredients combine into a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

Baked to perfection, these bars offer a refreshing twist on classic fruit desserts.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

• How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the topping turns golden brown and the strawberry filling becomes bubbly around the edges.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

• What's the best way to cut these bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for clean, precise slices. Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Lemon Strawberry Bars: Freshness in Every Bite

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Combine the tangy zest of lemons with sweet, juicy strawberries for a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Crumble and Delight: Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery, crumbly crust and vibrant fruit filling that creates a textural masterpiece in every bite.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for beginner bakers and busy home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet weekend treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of flavors.

The Ingredients for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the crumb bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and adds buttery flavor to the bars.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provide a sweet and tangy fruit base for the bars.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps sweeten the strawberry mixture.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the fruit filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tartness and helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling and prevent excess liquid.

Baking Directions for Lemon Strawberry Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work cold butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse sand.

Set aside a half cup of this magical crumb mixture for later.

Step 3: Bake the Foundation

Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until it turns a delicate golden color.

Step 4: Prepare Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Brown sugar

Mix until the strawberries are evenly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.

Step 5: Layer the Filling

Spread the vibrant strawberry mixture over the warm, golden crust, making sure it covers every inch.

Step 6: Add Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the strawberry layer, creating a beautiful textured top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling starts to bubble and dance.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

This patience will help them set and make cutting easier.

Slice into beautiful squares and enjoy!

Tips for Tart and Buttery Crumb Bars

• Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to create a compact base that resists moisture from the strawberry filling.
• Use fresh lemon zest to enhance the fruity flavor and add a vibrant citrus note to the crumb bars.
• Slice strawberries evenly and avoid oversized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and easy cutting of bars.
• Let bars cool completely to allow the filling to set and make clean, precise cuts possible.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness up to 5 days.

Ways to Change Up Lemon Strawberry Bars

• Gluten-Free Berry Bars: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use dairy-free butter alternative for added dietary flexibility.
• Blueberry Lemon Variation: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a different seasonal flavor profile. Keep the lemon zest to maintain bright citrus notes.
• Vegan Fruit Crumble Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar and add ground flaxseed for binding.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Select fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and incorporate rolled oats into the crumb topping for added nutrition.

Serving Lemon Strawberry Bars at Their Best

• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack these bars in a cute container for a delightful outdoor dessert that screams sunshine and sweet moments.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh coffee or a mimosa, creating a luxurious weekend breakfast treat that elevates your morning spread.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust with powdered sugar, add a small mint leaf, and serve on a white plate for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.
• Homemade Gift Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon, making a charming homemade gift for friends or family gatherings.

Storing Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and restore texture.
• Gently reheat bars at 325°F for 5-7 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Watch carefully to prevent burning and maintain crumbly topping.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible lemon strawberry crumb bars blend tangy citrus with sweet summer berries in a delightful dessert. Crumbly layers of buttery crust and fresh fruit create a perfect balance that will satisfy your sweet tooth and brighten any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Fruit:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Create the crumb base by mixing flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Set aside ½ cup of the crumb mixture for topping, then firmly press the remaining mixture into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it develops a light golden color and appears slightly set.
5. While the crust bakes, combine fresh strawberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a separate bowl, gently mixing to coat the fruit evenly.
6. Once the crust is lightly golden, spread the strawberry mixture across the entire surface, ensuring uniform coverage.
7. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the strawberry layer, creating a textured and rustic topping.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit filling.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
10. Once cooled, slice into neat squares and serve.

Notes

• Adjust strawberry sweetness by tasting the fruit beforehand and modifying brown sugar quantity to balance tartness.
• Ensure butter is cold when cutting into crumb mixture for maximum flakiness and better texture separation.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for most intense flavor and vibrant color in the dessert bars.
• Store bars in refrigerator for up to 3 days, covering loosely with plastic wrap to maintain crispness of crumb topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg