Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories bloom when these lemon strawberry crumb bars arrive on your plate, promising a delightful dance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Bursting with seasonal strawberries, this dessert captures the essence of sun-drenched afternoons.

Delicate crumbles melt into soft, zesty layers that whisper of backyard gatherings and casual celebrations.

Bright citrus notes weave through each tender bite, creating a harmonious balance between fruit and buttery crust.

Soft, warm textures contrast against sharp lemon undertones, making every slice a mini adventure.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with love and a touch of creativity.

You’ll want to savor each crumbly, vibrant morsel slowly and share the joy with those closest to you.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars for Sunny Days

• Simplify Baking: Create a showstopping dessert with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Deliver a delectable treat that serves multiple people, ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations without complex preparation.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adjust the cookie quantity and type to match personal preferences, allowing creative bakers to experiment with different flavor combinations.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a moist cake with crunchy cookie pieces, providing a delightful contrast that elevates the traditional sheet cake experience.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: What You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bar's base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the crust rises slightly and becomes light and tender.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and adds a creamy richness to the crust.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provide a sweet, juicy base with natural fruity flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the strawberries' sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces a vibrant, citrusy aroma and enhances the fruit's flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit filling and prevent excess liquid.

• Powdered Sugar: Can be used for dusting the bars for a decorative finish.

Bake Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Base Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slice cold butter into the dry ingredients and work it with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Build Initial Crust Layer

Take half of your crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Make sure it’s evenly distributed to create a solid foundation.

Step 4: Craft Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Cornstarch

Gently mix until strawberries are well coated and the mixture looks glossy and vibrant.

Step 5: Layer Strawberry Mixture

Carefully spread the strawberry mixture over the pressed crust, ensuring an even distribution from edge to edge.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumbs

Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the strawberry layer, creating a beautiful textured topping.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and slightly bubbling edges.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely. This helps them set and makes cutting into neat squares easier.

Expert Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Baking Hints

• Swap fresh strawberries with frozen ones for convenience, but drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bars.
• Add a pinch of vanilla extract to the crumb mixture for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
• Dust bars with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant, professional bakery-style presentation.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Refrigerate bars for firmer texture and more defined layers when slicing into neat squares.

Try New Styles of Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Berry Bliss Bars: Replace strawberries with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful, tangy dessert.
• Tropical Crunch Bars: Swap strawberries with diced mango and add shredded coconut to the crumb topping for a summer-inspired treat.
• Almond Citrus Bars: Incorporate almond extract and use orange zest instead of lemon for a nutty, fragrant variation.
• Peach Lavender Bars: Mix fresh peaches with a hint of lavender and use vanilla bean instead of lemon for an elegant, floral version.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: Plating Tips

• Picnic Perfect Dessert Bars: Pack these zesty treats in a cute container for outdoor gatherings. They travel well and offer a delightful balance of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon.
• Summer Brunch Centerpiece: Slice bars into elegant diamond shapes and arrange on a white ceramic platter. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sophistication.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside chamomile or Earl Grey tea. The crumbly texture and bright fruit flavors complement traditional tea time treats beautifully.
• Breakfast Indulgence: Cut smaller portions for a morning pastry option. Pair with Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit smoothie for a delectable start to the day.

Best Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Storage Tips

• Store cooled lemon strawberry crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Ensure the area is cool and dry to maintain freshness.
• Cut bars into individual portions before storing to make grabbing a quick snack easier and prevent moisture buildup between layers.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

The key ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, fresh strawberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture.

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

Look for a golden brown top and set edges. The bars should be slightly firm when touched and have a light, golden color across the surface.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is relatively simple and straightforward. Even novice bakers can successfully make these crumb bars by following the step-by-step instructions carefully.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Lemon strawberry crumb bars blend tangy citrus with sweet summer berries in a delightful dessert. Crumbly, buttery layers promise a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy any sweet craving.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and generously coat a baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Create the base mixture by blending dry ingredients, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Firmly press half of the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact foundation for the dessert.
4. Toss fresh strawberries with tangy lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and cornstarch to develop a vibrant, glossy fruit filling.
5. Carefully distribute the fruit mixture across the initial crumb layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
6. Delicately scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberry layer, allowing some fruit to peek through.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the filling and makes cutting easier.
9. Once cooled, slice into neat squares and serve as a delightful dessert or sweet afternoon treat.

Notes

• Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your bars.
• Zest the lemon before juicing to maximize the citrusy essence throughout the dessert.
• Ensure butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixture to create a perfectly flaky, crumbly texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add a pinch of xanthan gum for better binding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg