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