Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Are you looking for a refreshing and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further! Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of tangy lemons and sweet strawberries, combined with a buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a summer party, a brunch, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Read on to discover how you can easily make these delightful bars in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family!

What are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a dessert made with a buttery, crumbly shortbread-like crust, a tart lemony strawberry filling, and a crunchy topping. This treat strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The base crust is made from flour, sugar, and butter, which is pressed into a baking dish and baked until golden. The filling is made from fresh strawberries and lemon juice, adding a burst of fruity flavor with every bite. Lastly, the crumb topping, which is made from a similar mixture to the crust, provides a satisfying crunch.

These bars are versatile and can be served as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Lemon Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on sweetness of strawberries)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is their flexibility. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste or accommodate the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Fruit Substitutes: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of different berries. Frozen strawberries can also work if you don’t have fresh ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this dessert as well.
• Vegan Variation: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Sugar Substitutes: You can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture and sweetness of the bars.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is a straightforward process, perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the bars much easier later on.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumb Topping

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have a few larger butter pieces.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. The mixture will still be crumbly.

Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the base crust. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it evenly into the bottom.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Filling

In another bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the strawberries are well-coated and the sugar starts to dissolve.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread the strawberry lemon filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the strawberry layer. It’s okay if some strawberries peek through the crumbs; this adds to the rustic charm of the bars.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. Cooling ensures that the filling sets and the bars hold their shape when cut. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

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

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the crust ingredients by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
3. Press the crust into the dish, reserving a portion of the mixture for the crumb topping.
4. Prepare the filling by mixing chopped strawberries, lemon juice, zest, sugar, and cornstarch.
5. Layer the filling over the crust and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
7. Cool before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Crust: When making the crust and crumb topping, be careful not to overmix. You want the mixture to remain crumbly to ensure a tender, buttery texture.
• Undercooking the Bars: Make sure to bake the bars until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Undercooking can lead to a soggy base and a runny filling.
• Not Letting the Bars Cool: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing the bars to cool fully helps the filling set, making them easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are as delicious as they are visually appealing. To make your dessert stand out even more, here are some tips:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature: These bars are delicious both ways. For a summer treat, chill them in the fridge and serve them cold.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a professional look, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream: A small spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make these bars even more indulgent.

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

You can serve these bars on their own as a standalone dessert or pair them with something extra. Consider adding a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of lemon glaze, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. They make a great addition to dessert trays at parties or brunch gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Layered dessert tray: Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert tray alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.
• Cut into shapes: Instead of standard squares or rectangles, use a cookie cutter to cut the bars into fun shapes, like hearts or stars, especially for special occasions like Valentine's Day or birthdays.
• Serve in cupcake liners: Place each bar in a colorful cupcake liner for easy serving at parties.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries: For the best flavor, choose strawberries that are ripe and sweet. If the strawberries are too tart, you may need to adjust the sugar in the filling.
• Chill the bars for cleaner cuts: For perfectly square bars, refrigerate them for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes the bars easier to cut.
• Experiment with other citrus fruits: While lemon adds a bright tang, you can experiment with lime or orange zest for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

How long do Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars last?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars can last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

What other fruits can I use?
You can substitute the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can even use a mix of berries for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of buttery crumb layers with a sweet-tangy strawberry lemon filling makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step instructions, try out some variations, and enjoy a slice of this delightful dessert with your loved ones!

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