Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe: Summer’s Sweet Treat

Baking delectable lemon strawberry crumb bars promises a delightful summer treat that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Sweet meets tangy in this incredible dessert combining bright citrus notes with luscious berry goodness.

Juicy strawberries nestle between buttery crumb layers, creating an irresistible texture.

Simple ingredients from your pantry blend into something magical and extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty and sweet flavors that sing with freshness.

Casual bakers and seasoned pastry enthusiasts alike will adore this straightforward yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want to slice these bars and share the happiness with everyone around you.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

• Craft Delightful Dessert: These bars blend tangy lemon with sweet strawberries, creating a mouthwatering treat that delights taste buds with every bite.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Versatile bars work wonderfully for picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, or as a sweet afternoon snack that everyone will love and request again.
• Seasonal Celebration: Fresh strawberries transform this dessert into a celebration of summer's bounty, offering a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce in a tasty, shareable format.

Ingredients for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that creates the structure for the crumb bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and caramel-like notes to the base.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumb layers together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

• Fresh Strawberries: Juicy and sweet berries that create a vibrant and tangy filling.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that complement the strawberries' sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, acidic element to the fruit mixture.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps sweeten and balance the strawberries' natural tartness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting that adds a sweet finishing touch to the bars.

How to Bake Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• Melted butter
• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix everything until the texture resembles coarse, delightful crumbs.

Press half of this mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a solid, delicious foundation.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries (diced into small pieces)
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch

Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated and glossy.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Spread the vibrant strawberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust.

Take the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle it generously across the top, creating a rustic, bumpy surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

The bars are done when they look beautifully set and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

This patience ensures clean, perfect cuts.

Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and slice into delectable squares.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Strawberry Bars

• Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and sweetest taste in your bars.
• Drain excess liquid from strawberries to prevent soggy bottom and ensure a crisp, crumbly crust.
• Grate lemon zest directly into the filling for an intense citrus punch that brightens the entire dessert.
• Let bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat, professional-looking squares.
• Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations to Customize Lemon Strawberry Bars

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Berry Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of traditional sugar to create a plant-based alternative that's equally scrumptious.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic fruity essence of the original recipe.
• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Exchange strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to create exciting variations that match different seasonal produce availability.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Strawberry Bars

• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these vibrant bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for beach days or park picnics.
• Fresh Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to enhance the fruity, buttery flavors.
• Breakfast Treat Twist: Enjoy these bars with morning coffee or as a sweet weekend brunch accompaniment, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a cute ribbon for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted.

Storage Tips for Lemon Strawberry Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Remove bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Warm bars gently in a preheated oven at 325F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy crumb topping and revive original texture.

FAQs

• Are these bars good for breakfast?

These crumb bars are a delightful morning treat that’s slightly sweet and packed with fruity flavor. They’re perfect with coffee or as a quick grab-and-go breakfast option.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with other filling ingredients.

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

Look for golden-brown edges and a set center. The top should be lightly golden and the strawberry filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Irresistible lemon strawberry crumb bars blend tangy citrus with sweet summer berries in a delightful dessert. Crumbly layers and bright flavors make this treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226 grams)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling and Seasoning:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Create a versatile crumb mixture by combining melted butter with flour, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the texture resembles coarse, loosely packed crumbs.
3. Gently press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, forming an even, compact base layer for the dessert bars.
4. Prepare the fruit filling by combining fresh strawberries with fragrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, a sprinkle of sugar, and cornstarch to help thicken the mixture and prevent excess liquid.
5. Distribute the strawberry mixture uniformly across the prepared crust, ensuring an even spread of fruit throughout the base.
6. Delicately scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping that will transform into a golden, crisp surface during baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn a rich golden brown and the center appears set.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting into clean, precise squares easier.
9. Once thoroughly cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into individual servings.

Notes

• Customize the crumb texture by adjusting flour amount for a more compact or looser crumble depending on personal preference.
• Swap strawberries with seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries for variety and year-round enjoyment.
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the crumb mixture for a warm, unexpected flavor dimension.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make the bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can savor this delightful dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg