Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss

Crisp summer afternoons invite sweet lemon strawberry crumb bars that burst with vibrant flavors.

Sweet fruit mingles perfectly with tangy citrus notes.

Layers of buttery crumble promise delightful textures in each bite.

Fresh strawberries create a juicy center that melts against crisp pastry edges.

Baking these treats fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas.

Simple ingredients come together quickly for a dessert that impresses without complexity.

Crumb Bar Structure With Lemon Strawberry

• Fresh Strawberries: Sweet summer fruit that creates the vibrant filling for the bars, best when ripe and in season.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus notes that enhance strawberry flavor and add a tangy freshness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient for creating the bar's structure and crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, creates flaky texture, and helps bind the crumb mixture.
• Egg: Provides moisture and helps hold the bar's structure together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor to complement the fruity filling.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 8×8 inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

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

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Work in the Buttery Goodness

Add cold butter to the flour mixture.

Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to break down the butter until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Pour in the egg and vanilla, mixing until everything comes together in a delightful crumbly texture.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Press half of the crumbly dough firmly into the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Create an even, compact base that will support your fruity filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries (chopped into small pieces)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Spread this vibrant mixture evenly over the first dough layer.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumble

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will turn golden and crispy while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color across the top.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

This waiting period helps the bars set and makes cutting into neat squares much easier.

Slice and serve these tangy-sweet treats to eager friends and family.

Pro Secrets For Crumbly, Lemony Strawberry Bars

• Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish to create a stable base that holds together when sliced.
• Select ripe, bright red strawberries for maximum sweetness and vibrant flavor in your bars.
• Pat strawberries dry after chopping to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy during baking.
• Adjust lemon zest quantity to personal taste, adding more for a brighter citrus punch or less for subtle background notes.
• Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature to help them set and make clean, precise cuts easier.

Strawberry Crumb Bars With Lemon How To Store Them Right

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover each layer 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 for maximum freshness.
• Remove bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crumbly texture.
• Warm bars gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp edges and fresh-baked taste.

Ideas to Match Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Savor Complementary Beverages: Pair these lemon strawberry crumb bars with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which highlights the dessert's citrusy and sweet notes.
• Elevate Coffee Experience: Match the bars with a light, smooth cappuccino or vanilla latte to balance the fruity and buttery flavors of the crumb dessert.
• Refresh with Cocktails: Create a delightful contrast by serving a strawberry mojito or a gin-based cocktail with fresh mint, enhancing the bar's bright, tangy profile.
• Enhance Tea Time: Select a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea to complement the dessert's subtle sweetness and provide a soothing accompaniment.

Lemon Strawberry Bars Remixed

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Maintain the same measurements and baking instructions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. Select plant-based vanilla extract.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Choose fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness. Consider adding almond flour for extra texture and nutrition.
• Blueberry Lemon Alternative: Swap strawberries with fresh blueberries for a different berry profile. Keep the lemon zest and juice to maintain the citrus brightness in the recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture that could make the bars soggy.

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

Look for a golden-brown color on top and slightly firm edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done.

• What can I do if my crumb topping is too dry or too wet?

If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more butter. If it’s too wet, sprinkle a little extra flour to help it become crumbly and achieve the right texture.

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

While not absolutely mandatory, using both lemon juice and zest provides a brighter, more complex citrus flavor that complements the strawberries and enhances the overall taste of the bars.

Reasons To Crave Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Every Time

• Quick Weekend Baking Delight: Simple strawberry bars that transform basic ingredients into a spectacular dessert.
• Beginner-Friendly Recipe: Minimal baking skills required, with straightforward mixing and layering steps anyone can master.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and casual family desserts, showcasing fresh strawberries with bright lemon zest.
• Time-Efficient Dessert: Preparation takes under 15 minutes, with a total baking time of 35-40 minutes, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon strawberry crumb bars promise summer’s sweetest embrace, blending tart citrus with juicy berries. Crumbly layers and fresh ingredients create a perfect dessert that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon zest

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to a moderate temperature and thoroughly coating the baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create the foundational crumb mixture by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, leavening agent, and seasoning.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips, working until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract to the crumb mixture, gently blending until the dough achieves a slightly clumpy, cohesive consistency.
5. Transfer half of the crumb dough into the prepared baking dish, carefully pressing and distributing the mixture to form an even, compact base layer.
6. Prepare the fruity filling by tossing fresh strawberry pieces with bright citrus juice and fragrant zest, ensuring each berry is well-coated with the tangy liquid.
7. Evenly spread the strawberry mixture across the initial crumb base, creating a vibrant and juicy layer.
8. Delicately sprinkle the remaining crumb dough over the strawberry layer, allowing some fruit to peek through for an appealing visual texture.
9. Place the assembled dessert in the preheated oven, baking until the top turns a golden-brown color and the edges become slightly crisp.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, which helps them set and makes cutting into clean, precise squares easier.
11. Once cooled, slice into individual bars and serve, revealing the beautiful layers of crumbly crust and vibrant strawberry filling.

Notes

• Adjust fruit sweetness by selecting ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum natural flavor.
• Prevent soggy bottom by patting strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to the recipe.
• Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free blends for those with dietary restrictions.
• Create variation by substituting strawberries with other seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for diverse flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg