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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