Irresistible Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe For Summer Joy

Crafting delectable lemon strawberry crumb bars always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Sweet berries and zesty citrus dance together in this irresistible treat.

Layers of buttery crumble complement the bright, tangy filling perfectly.

Summer’s vibrant produce becomes a delightful dessert that feels like pure sunshine.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Freshness bursts through each tender, crumbly bite.

Dive into this delightful creation and let your taste buds celebrate!

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars That Pop

• Capture Fresh Seasonal Flavors: Celebrate summer's bounty by transforming ripe strawberries and bright lemon into a delightful dessert that bursts with natural sweetness.
• Simplify Baking Adventure: Requires minimal baking skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to create something impressive without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Option: Versatile treat suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend afternoons, offering a delicious balance between tangy and sweet profiles.
• No-Fuss Preparation Method: Combines basic ingredients in one pan, reducing kitchen cleanup and allowing more time to enjoy the delectable results with friends and family.

Ingredients for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the crumb bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in caramelization.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky base and adds flavor to the crumb bars.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the dough.

• Strawberries: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and juicy flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to enhance the fruit filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.

• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crumb bars.

How to Bake Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, preparing it for the delicious treat you’re about to create.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work cold butter into the dry mixture. Keep working until the mixture looks like rough, bumpy breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bind the Dough

Crack an egg into the crumb mixture and stir until a slightly crumbly dough forms.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Press half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 6: Prepare Fruity Filling

• Strawberries
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Gently combine these ingredients to create a vibrant, tangy filling.

Step 7: Layer the Filling

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the first dough layer, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 8: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured top.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on top.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Enhance the strawberry flavor by using fresh, ripe berries at peak season for maximum sweetness and vibrant taste.
• Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes to create a flaky, tender crumb texture in the bars.
• Prevent soggy bottom by patting strawberries dry before mixing with lemon and sugar to reduce excess moisture.
• Experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for delightful flavor variations while maintaining the same recipe technique.
• Cool bars completely before slicing to help them set and maintain a clean, sharp cut for picture-perfect presentation.

Flavor Twists on Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Berry Bars: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same crumb texture and fruity flavor.
• Vegan Citrus Crumble: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with flax egg, using plant-based alternatives while preserving the original bar's structure.
• Low-Sugar Berry Squares: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing calories without compromising the dessert's delicious taste.
• Blueberry Lemon Alternative: Exchange strawberries with fresh blueberries for a different berry profile, keeping the zesty lemon essence intact.

Enjoying Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Sweet Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these bars in individual wax paper wraps for a charming outdoor dessert that travels perfectly and looks adorable.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Slice bars into smaller, bite-sized squares and serve on a delicate china plate with fresh mint garnish for an elegant tea time treat.
• Breakfast Companion: Pair these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt and drizzle of honey for a delightful morning breakfast alongside coffee or herbal tea.
• Dessert Presentation Magic: Dust with powdered sugar and serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh strawberry slices and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a stunning visual impact.

Keeping Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to preserve texture and flavor.
• Freeze bars for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheat refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain them completely before mixing with lemon zest and other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

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

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly bubbling edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

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

Yes, both add different levels of citrus flavor – zest provides intense aromatic notes while juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness of strawberries.

Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Lemon strawberry crumb bars combine zesty citrus with sweet summer fruit in a delightful dessert. Crumbly layers and fresh ingredients create a memorable treat that delivers pure enjoyment.

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Ingredients

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Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh strawberries (diced)

Crumb and Base Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sugar (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until it develops a sandy, coarse texture.
4. Add the egg and gently mix, creating a crumbly, loose dough that holds together when pressed.
5. Distribute and firmly press half the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a uniform base layer.
6. Create the fruit filling by mixing fresh strawberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, additional sugar, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined.
7. Carefully spread the strawberry mixture across the prepared crust, ensuring even distribution.
8. Crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
9. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
10. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

• Swap butter for vegan margarine to create a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, crumbly texture.
• Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or chopped pistachios to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Ensure strawberries are fresh and not too watery by gently patting them dry with a paper towel before mixing with lemon and sugar.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the zest or add a few drops of lemon extract to the strawberry mixture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg