Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Craving a sweet, tangy, and refreshing dessert? These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a perfect treat, combining the zesty flavors of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries. Whether you're looking for a summer picnic snack or a delightful dessert for family gatherings, this recipe will leave everyone asking for more! Keep reading to discover every delicious detail of how to make these bars — from the ingredients to the perfect serving tips. Don’t miss out on the variations, substitutions, and FAQs at the end of the article!

What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are delightful dessert bars made with layers of buttery, crumbly dough, a tangy lemon-strawberry filling, and a crumb topping that is golden and crisp. Imagine biting into a buttery shortbread base, with a juicy, jammy middle made from fresh strawberries and lemon zest, all topped with a crunchy crumble layer. They're sweet, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make — perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

To make these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars, you'll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s the complete list of ingredients required to whip up a batch of these bars:

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the base structure for both the crust and the topping.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust caramelize in the oven.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: For a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The key to a crumbly, buttery texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors.

For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: Bursting with natural sweetness and juicy texture.
• Zest of 2 lemons: The zest adds vibrant, tangy lemon flavor.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Provides a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling, balancing the tartness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling so it doesn't become too runny.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth to the filling.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are perfect as is, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make the bars gluten-free.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, ensuring it’s cold and firm for that crumbly texture.
• Strawberry substitutions: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can swap them for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You could also use a mixture of berries for an exciting twist.
• Citrus variations: Not a fan of lemon? Substitute with lime or orange zest and juice for a different tangy flavor.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the crumb topping for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bake these delicious Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars. Follow these simple steps to achieve crumb bar perfection:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Make the crumb mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Form the base layer: Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until the strawberries are fully coated, and the sugar starts to dissolve.
5. Assemble the bars: Once the crust is baked, spread the strawberry-lemon filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling to create the crumbly topping.
6. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour to help them set fully.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking. This makes the bars easier to remove after baking.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugars, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key to a great crumb topping is to use cold butter, which gives that perfect crumbly texture.

Step 3: Form the Base

Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish, ensuring it’s an even layer. This forms the base for the bars. Bake this layer for 10-12 minutes to give it a head start before adding the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the base is baking, prepare the filling by mixing the chopped strawberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t turn runny once baked.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Once the base is lightly golden, spread the strawberry-lemon filling over it, ensuring an even distribution. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top, covering the filling. Bake for another 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, transfer them to the fridge for an hour to set. Then cut them into squares or bars for serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using warm butter: The butter needs to be cold to create the perfect crumbly texture. If the butter is too warm, the crust and topping will turn out dense and greasy.
• Overmixing the crumb: Don’t overwork the crumb mixture. You want pea-sized clumps of butter for a light and crumbly texture.
• Not allowing the bars to cool: Patience is key! If you cut into the bars before they’ve fully cooled, the filling will be too runny, and the bars won’t hold their shape.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is all about showcasing their rustic beauty. These bars are great for casual gatherings or formal dessert presentations. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting these delicious treats:

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Chilled or at room temperature: Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• With a dollop of whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious touch.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For a simple but elegant presentation, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Rustic charm: Serve these bars on a wooden platter or cutting board for a rustic, casual look.
• Layered dessert trays: If serving at a party or gathering, display the bars on a tiered dessert tray to make them stand out.
• Garnish with fresh fruit: Add a few fresh strawberry slices and a lemon twist to each plate for a burst of color.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bar Recipe Tips

• Keep the butter cold: Cold butter ensures the crumb mixture stays crumbly and light.
• Make ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. They actually taste better the next day after the flavors have melded!
• Experiment with fillings: You can swap out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Q: How long do Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars last?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes! Once cooled, wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate the bars after baking?
A: While you don’t have to, refrigerating them helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice.

Conclusion

These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon, with a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make, versatile, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you serve them chilled or with a scoop of ice cream, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!

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