Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Looking for the perfect summer dessert that balances sweetness and tang? These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars combine the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the sweet, juicy goodness of fresh strawberries. The buttery crumb crust and topping make these bars the ultimate treat, whether for a picnic, potluck, or afternoon snack. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations to make these bars a standout!

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What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delicious dessert that features a buttery, crumbly shortbread-like crust, a layer of fresh strawberries with a hint of lemon, and a golden, crunchy crumb topping. The lemon brightens up the flavor of the strawberries, making these bars light, refreshing, and irresistibly sweet-tart. Perfect for warm weather or as a sweet snack any time of year, these bars are a great balance of zesty citrus and fruity goodness with a rich, buttery crumble on top.

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Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to create these refreshing and delicious bars. The ingredients are simple but come together to create a flavorful, layered dessert.

For the Crust & Crumb Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (for added lemon flavor in the crust)

For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon (for an extra burst of lemon flavor)

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Substitutions and Variations for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Feel free to customize these crumb bars with some of these tasty substitutions and variations:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour mix in place of all-purpose flour.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative that is firm and cold for the perfect crumbly texture.
3. Mix of Berries: Instead of only strawberries, you can add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry variation.
4. Extra Citrus: For even more lemony goodness, drizzle a lemon glaze over the top of the bars once they’ve cooled.
5. Oats in the Crumble: Add ½ cup rolled oats to the crumb mixture for a heartier, more rustic texture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a perfect batch of Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract, then add it to the flour and butter mixture. Stir until the mixture starts to come together but is still crumbly.
4. Set aside about 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Strawberry Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the strawberries are well coated and the cornstarch is evenly distributed.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the juices to release and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the strawberry lemon filling evenly over the crumb crust in the baking pan.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the strawberry filling. You want an even layer, but it’s okay if some of the strawberry filling peeks through.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

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How to Cook Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients for the crumb crust to ensure a light and flaky texture. The colder the butter, the better your crumbly layers will be.
2. Zest the lemon before juicing it, as zest adds a more intense lemon flavor to both the crust and the filling.
3. Cook until golden: The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden brown, and the strawberry filling is bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover the pan loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when making Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars:

1. Using soft butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture. Using softened or melted butter will result in a dense, greasy crust.
2. Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the fruit filling and prevents it from becoming too runny. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it ensures the bars hold together properly.
3. Not allowing the bars to cool completely: Let the bars cool fully before cutting. If you slice them while they’re still warm, they may fall apart.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Serve at room temperature: These bars are best enjoyed once they've cooled completely. If you want a firmer texture, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
• Pair with whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars even more indulgent.
• Drizzle with lemon glaze: For an extra pop of lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bars (mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth).

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Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to these already beautiful bars.
• Garnish with lemon slices and strawberry halves: Add fresh lemon slices and halved strawberries around the platter to emphasize the fresh flavors of the dessert.
• Serve on a rustic wooden board: For a more casual, rustic presentation, serve the bars on a wooden board and let guests help themselves.

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Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Cutting clean slices: For neat slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before cutting with a sharp knife. This helps firm up the filling and makes slicing easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to remove any excess moisture. You may also want to increase the cornstarch by ½ tablespoon to help thicken the filling.

2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. If needed, tent the top with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

3. Can I use another citrus flavor besides lemon?

Absolutely! You can substitute lime or orange for the lemon to give the bars a different citrus twist.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them if you're making them more than a day ahead.

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Conclusion

These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. With their vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon, they’re a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Serve them up at a summer gathering, enjoy them as an afternoon snack, or simply indulge yourself with a bite of these delightful bars! Happy baking!

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