Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Are you looking for a dessert that's as refreshing as it is indulgent? Our Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars combine the tangy flavors of lemon with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, all topped with a deliciously buttery crumb layer. These bars are perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or simply as a delightful treat to savor at home. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dessert from scratch and some handy tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time!

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What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a mouthwatering dessert that combines a zesty lemon-infused base with a fresh strawberry filling and a golden, buttery crumb topping. They offer a perfect balance between tart and sweet, with a satisfyingly crunchy texture that melts into a gooey, fruity center. Ideal for casual gatherings or as a simple yet impressive homemade treat, these bars are versatile and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Here's what you’ll need to make these heavenly crumb bars:

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Ingredients List for the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended)

The optional lemon glaze takes these bars to the next level. It's a simple addition that gives the bars a lovely tart finish.

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is already a classic, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to make these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars fit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these crumb bars gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg yolk.
• Berry Variations: While strawberries work beautifully in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of your favorites.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the crust and filling if you prefer a less sweet dessert. You can also substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia for a lower-calorie version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to bake these delightful Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars! Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This will make removing the crumb bars much easier once they are done baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumb Topping
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir until combined but be careful not to overwork the dough. The mixture should be crumbly. Reserve about ½ cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In another bowl, mix the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch until the strawberries are well-coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as the bars bake, ensuring you get a gooey and not too runny middle layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the strawberry filling. The crumbs should cover the filling but allow some strawberries to peek through for a beautiful, rustic look.

Step 5: Bake the Bars
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the glaze. Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

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

Cooking Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is a rewarding process that doesn’t require advanced baking skills, but the result tastes like a gourmet treat. Follow these guidelines to ensure your bars come out perfectly:

1. Start with Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating the perfect crumb topping. It helps form a crumbly texture without turning the crust dough too greasy or dense.
2. Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The lemon zest in both the filling and the glaze brings a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Be sure to use fresh lemons for the best results.
3. Chill Before Cutting: Patience is key when baking bars. Letting them cool fully allows the layers to set, making them much easier to cut and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overworking the Crumb Dough: Avoid overmixing the butter into the flour. You want the dough to remain crumbly for a light, flaky texture.
• Using Warm Butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving the right texture in both the crust and the topping.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: It can be tempting to cut into the bars while they’re still warm, but doing so may cause them to fall apart. Let them cool completely for clean slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are visually stunning and taste even better! Here’s how to serve and present them for maximum impact:

• Cut Clean, Even Slices: For a polished look, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
• Top with Fresh Fruit: Garnish each serving with a few fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges for a burst of color and extra flavor.
• Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: To make these bars even more indulgent, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Presentation plays a huge role in making these bars even more appetizing. Consider these ideas to elevate their visual appeal:

• Drizzle with Glaze: After cutting the bars, drizzle the lemon glaze over each piece. The glaze will harden slightly, giving the bars a lovely glossy finish.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, dust the tops of the bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
• Plate on a Tiered Tray: If serving these bars at a party or gathering, arrange them on a tiered serving tray for a bakery-style presentation.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars store well and can be made a day in advance. Refrigerate them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: If you want to save some for later, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Use Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe strawberries. If your berries are slightly tart, you may want to add a little extra sugar to the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using them in the recipe to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

2. How do I store leftover Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2–3 days.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake the bars in a 9x13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

4. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just keep the total fruit quantity the same.

5. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps thicken the filling, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of flour if needed.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that will become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. With their tangy lemon flavor, sweet strawberry filling, and crumbly buttery topping, these bars strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with your family, they’re sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that's as easy to make as it is to eat!

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