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
Ingredients Needed for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
Base Ingredients:Fruit Ingredients:Binding and Fat Ingredients: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: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: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
Flavor Twists for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
Serving Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
How to Store Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
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Vibrant Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe
- 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
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
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine dry base ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture.
- Incorporate chilled butter pieces into the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to achieve a coarse, sandy texture.
- Fold beaten egg into the crumbly dough until it just comes together.
- Gently press approximately half of the dough mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even bottom layer.
- Prepare fruit filling by mixing strawberry pieces with fresh lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch until strawberries are evenly coated.
- Distribute strawberry mixture uniformly across the initial dough layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Sprinkle remaining dough crumbles over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured top.
- Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and slightly bubbling center.
- 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
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.