Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

If you're in the mood for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, this Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars recipe is for you! These bars are layered with a buttery crumb base, a zesty lemon and fresh strawberry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a dessert for gatherings. Not only are these bars bursting with fresh flavors, but they’re also easy to make with basic ingredients. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your crumb bars come out perfect every time.

What are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delicious dessert made up of three irresistible layers. The bottom layer is a buttery, crumbly shortbread-like crust, followed by a fresh, tangy strawberry and lemon filling. This mixture combines the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the bright zest of lemons, creating a refreshing contrast of flavors. Finally, the bars are topped with more of the buttery crumble, giving them a delightful crunch. These bars are perfect for those who love fruity desserts with a touch of tartness.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

1. All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
2. Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
3. Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
4. Salt – ¼ teaspoon
5. Unsalted butter (cold and cubed) – 1 cup (2 sticks)
6. Egg – 1 large
7. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:

1. Fresh strawberries (hulled and diced) – 2 cups
2. Lemon zest – 1 tablespoon (from 1 lemon)
3. Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (from 1 lemon)
4. Granulated sugar – ½ cup
5. Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
6. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

You can adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Gluten-Free Version:
   – Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum to ensure the bars hold together properly.
2. Dairy-Free Option:
   – Use a plant-based butter alternative in place of regular butter. Make sure it’s cold when working it into the dough.
3. Different Fruits:
   – While strawberries are fantastic, you can swap them out or mix them with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
4. Lemon-Lime Twist:
   – For a different citrusy punch, combine lemon juice with lime juice and zest for a refreshing twist.
5. Coconut Variation:
   – Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the crumble mixture for an added layer of flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is simple and fun, and the reward is a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla extract together, then add it to the crumb mixture. Stir until just combined.
4. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Use your hands or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press it down evenly. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Strawberry Filling

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract (if using).
2. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated, and the cornstarch has dissolved. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the strawberry-lemon mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
2. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the strawberry filling. The crumble should be coarse and clumpy, with some pieces larger than others to give the bars that signature crumbly top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The edges should be slightly browned, and the crumb topping should have a nice, crisp texture.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting. For cleaner cuts, let the bars cool completely. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.

How to Cook Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to make these delicious crumb bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare the baking dish.
2. Mix the crumb dough and press two-thirds into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare the filling by tossing fresh strawberries with lemon zest, juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
4. Assemble the bars by spreading the filling over the crust and topping with the remaining crumble mixture.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 35-40 minutes.
6. Cool and slice the bars before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not using cold butter: Cold butter is essential for creating the right crumbly texture in the crust and topping. Don’t use melted or softened butter.
2. Overmixing the crumb mixture: When making the crumb base and topping, be careful not to overmix, or the dough will become too soft, and you won’t get that desired crumbly texture.
3. Not letting the bars cool: If you cut the bars while they’re still warm, they may fall apart. Let them cool completely for neater squares and better texture.
4. Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny. Don’t skip this ingredient!

Serving and Presentation Tips

These crumb bars are a beautiful dessert on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a few serving and presentation tips.

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

1. With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a generous spoonful of fresh whipped cream on top for extra richness.
2. Drizzle with Lemon Glaze: For an extra tangy kick, drizzle a lemon glaze (made from powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled bars before serving.
3. Serve with Ice Cream: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a delicious summertime treat.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the bars before serving for a simple but elegant touch.
2. Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh strawberry slices or a lemon twist to the plate for a beautiful pop of color.
3. Slice into Shapes: For special occasions, use a cookie cutter to create heart-shaped or round bars instead of standard squares.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars turn out perfectly:

1. Chill the dough: If you find the crumb mixture is too soft, you can pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before crumbling it over the top of the bars.
2. Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.
3. Storing Leftovers: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Be sure to thaw and drain them before mixing with the other filling ingredients to avoid excess moisture.

Q: How do I prevent the crumb bars from becoming soggy?
A: Make sure to bake the bars until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. Also, letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps prevent sogginess.

Q: Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?
A: Yes, you can use lemon extract if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand. Use about 1 teaspoon of lemon extract in place of the lemon juice.

Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Absolutely! Let the bars cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberry with a buttery, crumbly texture that will satisfy any dessert craving. With their vibrant flavors and easy preparation, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or simply a weekday treat, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow the steps, tips, and variations in this recipe, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible crumb bars in no time!

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