Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s both sweet and tangy with a buttery, crumbly texture? These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Combining the brightness of lemon with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, these bars offer a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, they are easy to make, with just a few simple steps. Read on to get the full recipe, tips for customization, and serving suggestions!

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What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a layered dessert made with a buttery, crumbly shortbread-like base and a tangy lemon-strawberry filling. The top is finished off with a crunchy crumb layer, creating a wonderful contrast of textures. The lemon adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberries, making these bars light, refreshing, and perfect for spring or summer, though they’re delicious year-round.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make these delectable bars:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about one large lemon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and diced)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

Ingredients List for Additional Flavor and Variations

Want to elevate your bars or switch things up? Try these additional ingredients and variations:

• Raspberries or mixed berries – Swap out the strawberries or combine them with other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.
• Almond extract – Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the crust for a slightly nutty flavor.
• Oats – Mix in ½ cup of rolled oats into the crumb topping for added texture.
• Coconut flakes – Add ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist.
• Powdered sugar glaze – Drizzle a simple powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze over the top for added sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

These bars are versatile and easy to adjust to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free version: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
• Lower sugar option: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol in place of the granulated sugar to reduce the sugar content.
• Fruit variations: Use any fruit in place of strawberries, such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mix of your favorite berries.
• Lemon alternative: If you're not a fan of lemon, swap the lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a different citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the detailed steps on how to make these delicious Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch (or 9x9-inch) baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust and Crumb Topping:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
   • Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should hold together when you pinch it.
   • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly but will come together when pressed.
   • Take half of this mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the other half aside for the crumb topping.
3. Prepare the Lemon Strawberry Filling:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and lemon zest (if using).
   • Stir until the strawberries are well-coated and the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread the lemon strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
   • Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the strawberries, leaving some larger clumps for a nice, crumbly texture.
5. Bake the Bars:
   • Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
   • If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil halfway through the baking time.
6. Cool and Slice:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This will take about 1 hour, but you can speed up the process by placing the dish in the fridge.
   • Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or bars.

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

1. Prepare your baking dish: Line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
2. Mix the dough: Make sure your butter is cold, and use your hands or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture.
3. Create the base layer: Press half of the dough mixture into the dish firmly to ensure the crust holds together.
4. Make the filling: Toss fresh strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch for a delicious filling that thickens as it bakes.
5. Crumble on top: Sprinkle the remaining dough on top to create a crumbly, golden topping.
6. Bake and cool: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean, defined edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-mixing the dough: Avoid over-mixing the dough; it should remain crumbly, and the butter should stay cold to achieve that flaky, shortbread-like texture.
• Undercooking the bars: Be sure to bake until the top is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling. If the filling isn’t bubbling, it might not be fully set.
• Not cooling completely: It’s tempting to cut into the bars right away, but cooling is essential to help them set. Otherwise, they may crumble apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars extra indulgent.
• Garnish with fresh mint or lemon slices: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing your bars with a few sprigs of mint or lemon slices.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For a pretty finish, lightly dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

These crumb bars are perfect for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a sweet ending to any meal. Slice them into squares and serve them on a platter. For a more elegant presentation, arrange individual bars on small plates with a garnish of fresh strawberries and a drizzle of lemon glaze.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Layered Tray: Stack the bars on a cake stand or tiered tray for a beautiful dessert display.
• Rustic Charm: Serve the bars in a rustic basket lined with a decorative cloth for a casual, picnic-style presentation.
• Individual Servings: Place each bar on a small square plate, garnish with fresh strawberries or mint, and drizzle with a bit of powdered sugar glaze.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving a crumbly, flaky crust and topping.
• Chill the dough: If your dough is too soft or warm, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• Make ahead: These bars are a great make-ahead dessert and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Q: How long do Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars last?
A: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes! To freeze, wrap the fully cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use a different fruit in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. You can also mix different fruits for a unique flavor combination.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crumb topping that complements the fresh strawberry and zesty lemon flavors. These bars are easy to make, incredibly versatile, and ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant tea parties. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delightful combination of tangy citrus and sweet berries in every bite!

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