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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- 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.
- Gently press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, forming an even, compact base layer for the dessert bars.
- 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.
- Distribute the strawberry mixture uniformly across the prepared crust, ensuring an even spread of fruit throughout the base.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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