Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Imagine biting into a bar that’s a symphony of textures—crumbly, buttery crust, juicy sweet strawberries, and a tangy lemon glaze, all in one show-stopping square. That’s exactly what Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars deliver: a bright, fresh treat perfect for sharing or savoring solo on a sunny afternoon. Whether you’re craving a burst of summer or just want to impress at your next gathering, these bars have a way of bringing smiles and requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component of Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is crucial—not only do they keep things delightfully simple, but they also bring out the standout flavors and colors that make these bars unforgettable. Here’s how every ingredient pulls its weight in this recipe, ensuring the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and buttery goodness.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of both the crumbly crust and topping, providing structure and that irresistibly tender bite.
• Baking powder: A touch of this helps lighten the texture, so the crust isn’t too dense or heavy.
• Salt: Never skip it! Salt heightens all the other flavors, making the sweet and tart elements truly pop.
• Unsalted butter, very cold and cubed: This ensures the crumb stays perfectly flaky and rich; cold butter is the secret to those dreamy layers.
• Large egg + large egg yolk: Eggs bind everything together and add a bit of richness; for a slightly cakier bar, use two whole eggs if preferred.
• Packed light or dark brown sugar: Brings warmth and depth to the crust, plus a subtle caramel note that plays beautifully with the strawberries.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic background that perfectly enhances the flavors throughout.
• Chopped strawberries: The dazzling, juicy star of the show—use fresh or frozen berries, whichever you have handy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberries just enough, letting their natural tartness shine.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the berry filling, so your bars slice clean and don’t get soggy.
• Lemon zest: Don’t skip it—it infuses each bite with sunny brightness and a hint of zing.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The base for the easy lemon glaze that brings it all together with a sweet, velvety finish.
• Fresh lemon juice: Lets the glaze sing with pure citrus flavor, tying together all the layers of these luscious bars.

How to Make Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). To make your life so much easier when cutting the bars (and for that glorious moment of lifting them out whole), take a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This little bit of prep will make your final presentation super neat!

Step 2: Build the Buttery Crumble

Grab a large bowl and whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt. Now comes the fun: add your very cold cubed butter. Whether you use a pastry cutter, two forks, or zip it in a food processor, you’ll want to work that butter in until everything looks like pea-sized crumbles coated in flour. This step takes a little arm work, but the payoff—a tender and crumbly crust—is worth every second.

Step 3: Bind and Flavor the Crust

In a smaller bowl, whisk the egg, extra yolk, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this over your dry mixture, and gently mix together. Don’t be afraid to use your hands here—a quick toss is sometimes all it takes to get that sandy, damp crumb texture that means you’re ready to build your base.

Step 4: Form the Base and Reserve the Topping

Scoop out 2 cups of your crumble mixture and set them aside for the crowning crumb layer. Press the remaining mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing it out firmly but gently with your hands or a flat spatula. Don’t fret if it looks a touch crumbly; that’s exactly how Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars get their signature texture.

Step 5: Pile On the Strawberry Lemon Filling

Now, let’s give the bars their vibrant flavor: toss your strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and the all-important lemon zest. Spread this berry mixture evenly over the crust, making sure those bright colors reach every corner of the pan. It’s like sunshine in dessert form!

Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping

Remember the reserved crumble? Sprinkle it all over your strawberry layer, covering the fruit generously. Give it a gentle press so the topping nestles into the strawberries, which will help everything hold together as it bakes and cools.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crumb topping turns beautifully golden and the berry filling bubbles happily at the sides. Once out of the oven, let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. For impatient treat-lovers, a quick trip to the refrigerator can speed up cooling!

Step 8: Drizzle with Lemon Glaze

Whisk together your confectioners’ sugar and fresh lemon juice to make a bright, pourable glaze. Either drizzle it right over the cooled pan of bars or, for a personal touch, spoon a bit onto each square. Lift the bars from the pan using your parchment overhang, slice into generous squares, and prepare for applause.

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Garnishes

A flourish of powdered sugar or a few curls of extra lemon zest make these bars even more inviting. For a fancier occasion, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a couple of sliced fresh strawberries on top transform each bar into a showpiece that looks as special as it tastes.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars at brunch or as part of a dessert plate, pair them with a chilled fruit salad, vanilla ice cream, or Greek yogurt. The creamy, mild side flavors balance the zesty-sweet bar and make a perfectly satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a tiered cake stand for a charming tea party look, or wrap each bar in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for a picnic-ready snack. You can even cut them into bite-size minis for a festive dessert spread or holiday cookie swap—Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are fabulously versatile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, store any leftover bars covered at room temperature for up to two days, or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. The lemon glaze keeps them moist, and their flavor only gets better as the days go by.

Freezing

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars freeze surprisingly well! Arrange them in a single layer (or between parchment paper in a container), and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a taste of sunshine, thaw overnight in the refrigerator so they hold their shape and texture.

Reheating

If you like your bars warm (and who could blame you?), just microwave an individual bar for about 10 to 15 seconds, or pop a tray in a low oven briefly—just until gently warmed. If glazed, warm them only lightly so the icing doesn’t melt away.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars; just add them straight from the freezer, without thawing. This keeps your filling from getting watery, and the bars will bake up perfectly juicy.

Do I have to use the lemon glaze?

No glaze, no problem. While the lemon glaze adds an extra layer of zing, you can skip it, swap for vanilla icing, or even leave the bars unadorned. They’re still wonderfully flavorful and sweet on their own.

How do I make a smaller batch?

If you don’t need a full pan, simply halve the ingredients and use a 9-inch square pan. The baking time will be a bit shorter (around 35–37 minutes), but your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars will be just as irresistible.

Is there a gluten-free version?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. With this simple substitution, your crumb bars will still hold together beautifully and taste fantastic.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Definitely! Raspberries or blueberries work beautifully with strawberries and lemon, for a mixed berry twist. Just keep the overall quantity the same to guarantee the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten your kitchen and your taste buds, Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a must-bake. Their vibrant colors, luscious filling, and tantalizing tart-sweet harmony have a way of winning hearts. Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation!

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