Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Craving a sweet yet tangy treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars! With a delightful combination of fresh strawberries, zesty lemons, and a buttery crumb topping, these bars are irresistible. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, looking for a refreshing dessert, or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making these delicious bars, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, and even tips for serving and presentation.

What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a dessert that beautifully balances the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of lemons, all layered with a buttery, crumbly crust. Imagine biting into a soft, fruity center topped with a crunchy, golden crumble. These bars are versatile enough for brunch, potlucks, and even as a quick snack with coffee or tea. Best of all, they’re incredibly simple to make and require only a few basic ingredients. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

To create these scrumptious bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crumb Base and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Strawberry Lemon Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added tang)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is how adaptable they are. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try if you want to mix things up or accommodate dietary preferences:

Substitutions:

• Butter: Swap out the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Sugar: You can substitute regular granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour: For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Variations:

• Different fruits: While strawberries and lemons are a fantastic pairing, you can switch out the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches if those are more readily available or if you prefer another fruit.
• Add nuts: For extra texture, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the crumb topping.
• Citrus twist: Amp up the citrus flavor by using a combination of lemon and lime or even orange zest in both the base and the filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive into the kitchen? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re baked.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture

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 cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until everything is just combined. The mixture should still be crumbly.

Step 3: Create the Base

Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure to press it firmly to create a solid base for the bars. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest. Toss until the strawberries are fully coated, and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Spread the strawberry lemon filling evenly over the crumb base. Make sure the strawberries are distributed in a single layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the strawberry filling. Try to cover as much of the fruit as possible, but it’s okay if some strawberries peek through.

Step 6: 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. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the crumb topping should be set.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes cutting the bars easier. After cooling, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan, then slice them into squares or rectangles.

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

Here’s a quick recap of how to make these delectable Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the crumb ingredients, press two-thirds into the dish.
3. Prepare the strawberry lemon filling and spread it over the crumb base.
4. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Cool the bars before cutting and serving.

Following these steps will ensure your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars come out perfectly every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To guarantee your bars turn out just right, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not chilling the butter: Cold butter is crucial for achieving the crumbly texture. If your butter is too soft, the topping won’t have the desired crunch.
• Overmixing the crumb mixture: You want the mixture to stay crumbly, so avoid overmixing after adding the butter.
• Skipping the parchment paper: This makes removing the bars from the pan much easier and helps prevent sticking.
• Cutting too soon: Let the bars cool completely before cutting, or they’ll fall apart and the filling won’t set properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars can elevate the entire experience. Here are some tips:

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
• With a dollop of whipped cream: Add a spoonful of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving for a simple but elegant finish.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Individual servings: Cut the bars into uniform squares and serve them on a tiered dessert stand for a tea party or buffet.
• Drizzle with glaze: For a fancier look, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top of the bars. To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of lemon juice and whisk until smooth.
• Serve with fresh fruit: Garnish the plate with extra fresh strawberries and lemon slices for a vibrant pop of color.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your crumb bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Use fresh strawberries: While frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, fresh strawberries provide a better texture and flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the fruit mixture before adding it to the base.
• Lemon flavor: For extra zing, add more lemon zest or even a splash of lemon extract to the crumb mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Yes! You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Once they’ve completely cooled, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the fridge overnight.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberries with any other berry, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can also experiment with stone fruits like peaches or apricots for a different flavor combination.

How long do Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars last?

Stored in an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

While you don’t have to refrigerate the bars, storing them in the fridge can help extend their shelf life, especially in warmer climates.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be adapted to suit your preferences, whether you're swapping fruits or making them gluten-free. The next time you're in the mood for a delightful dessert or snack, give these bars a try—you won’t be disappointed!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking! These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your household.

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