Vibrant Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet summer afternoons call for a delightful lemon strawberry crumb bars magic that dances between tangy and sweet.

Juicy strawberries burst with vibrant color against a buttery base.

Crisp crumble layers promise a delectable texture in every single bite.

Zesty lemon notes weave through the dessert, creating a refreshing contrast.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly to craft this irresistible treat.

Creamy and crunchy elements merge in a symphony of flavor.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for sharing with loved ones on warm, lazy afternoons.

What Makes Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars So Special

  • Savor Seasonal Freshness: Capture the bright, juicy flavors of ripe strawberries combined with zesty lemon in a delightful dessert that celebrates summer's bounty.
  • Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These crumb bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, offering a delicious treat that everyone will love.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a sweet breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational dry ingredient that provides structure for the bar's texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown color during baking.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the crumb bars rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
Fruit Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy fruit that creates a vibrant filling for the bars.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the strawberries' sweetness.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy aroma and intensifies the lemon flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling and prevent excess moisture.
Binding and Fat Ingredients:
  • Cold Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and adds flavor to the crumb base.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb structure.

How to Prepare Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

How to Prepare Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re well blended and looking uniform.

Step 3: Form Buttery Mixture

Drop in cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to break down the butter.

Keep working until the mixture looks like coarse, bumpy breadcrumbs. Crack in an egg and gently mix until the dough starts to come together.

Step 4: Build First Layer

Press half of the crumbly dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and creates a solid foundation.

Step 5: Prepare Fruity Filling

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Fresh strawberries (diced)
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Cornstarch

Gently toss these ingredients so the strawberries get a nice, even coating.

Step 6: Layer Fruit Mixture

Spread the strawberry mixture carefully over the first dough layer, ensuring even coverage from edge to edge.

Step 7: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, bumpy top that will turn golden and crispy.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

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

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color across the top. Remove and let the bars cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Tips to Perfect Your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

  • Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant flavor in your bars.
  • Ensure butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixture to create a flaky, tender crumb topping.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for an elegant, finished look that adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh texture and taste.

Flavor Twists for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free treat.
  • Blueberry Lemon Swap: Substitute strawberries with fresh blueberries for a different fruity flavor profile while keeping the lemon zest.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content and creating a diabetic-friendly dessert bar.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

  • Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these bars in a cute container for a refreshing outdoor treat that bursts with fruity sweetness.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for an Instagram-worthy dessert spread.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside herbal tea or cold lemonade, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that complement each other.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal culinary love and care.

How to Store Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

  • Store leftover Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Refrigerate the bars for extended freshness, placing them in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain their crumbly texture.
  • Freeze individual bars by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen bars by letting them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, tender texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the bars.

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

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly bubbling edges. The bars should be set but still slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

  • Is it necessary to use both lemon juice and lemon zest?

Yes, lemon juice and zest provide different flavor profiles. The juice adds tartness, while the zest brings a bright, intense citrus aroma that enhances the strawberry filling.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

Print
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Vibrant Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Vibrant Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade lemon strawberry crumb bars showcase summer’s sweetest flavors with buttery shortbread crust and tangy fruit filling. Delightful dessert bars blend zesty citrus and fresh strawberries into a perfect seasonal treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Filling:

  • 1.5 cups (340 grams) fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) lemon zest

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) cold butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Combine dry base ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture.
  3. Incorporate chilled butter pieces into the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to achieve a coarse, sandy texture.
  4. Fold beaten egg into the crumbly dough until it just comes together.
  5. Gently press approximately half of the dough mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even bottom layer.
  6. Prepare fruit filling by mixing strawberry pieces with fresh lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch until strawberries are evenly coated.
  7. Distribute strawberry mixture uniformly across the initial dough layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
  8. Sprinkle remaining dough crumbles over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured top.
  9. Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and slightly bubbling center.
  10. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in pan before slicing into squares for clean, precise cuts.

Notes

  • Adapt the crumb base by substituting gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delightful texture.
  • Enhance fruit stability by thoroughly coating strawberries in cornstarch to prevent excess liquid and ensure a perfectly set filling.
  • Achieve crisp edges and even baking by using a light-colored metal baking pan that conducts heat uniformly and prevents burning.
  • Maximize flavor intensity by using fresh, ripe strawberries and zesting lemons just before mixing to capture maximum citrusy essential oils.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 182 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 52 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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