Zesty Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet summer memories flood back when savoring these lemon strawberry crumb bars that blend tartness with sugary delight.

Juicy strawberries dance beneath a buttery crumb topping, creating a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of zesty citrus and sweet fruit.

Crumbly layers melt softly, releasing bright flavors that spark joy with every mouthful.

Baking these bars becomes an effortless adventure in your kitchen, inviting warmth and happiness.

Grab a fork and let pure deliciousness guide you through this simple yet extraordinary treat.

FAQs

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

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly firm edges. The center should be set but still slightly soft when touched. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them completely first. Frozen strawberries release more moisture, so pat them dry with paper towels to prevent a soggy bottom crust.

• What's the purpose of adding lemon zest and juice to the strawberry filling?

Lemon brightens the strawberry flavor, adds a tangy contrast to the sweet bars, and helps prevent the fruit from becoming too sweet. The acid also helps balance the richness of the buttery crumb base.

Why Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Are So Good

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delightful bars with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginner bakers wanting to impress.
• Burst of Seasonal Freshness: Showcase summer's vibrant strawberries with a zesty lemon twist, creating a dessert that captures the essence of sunny days.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve at potlucks, family gatherings, or as a sweet afternoon treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible crumbly texture and fruity flavor.
• No-Fuss Dessert Solution: Enjoy a homemade dessert that requires just one pan, minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the crumb bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a crumbly, flaky texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provide a sweet and tangy fruit layer for the bars.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor to complement the strawberries.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the fruit filling with a fresh, zesty taste.

• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the sweet crumb bars.

How to Make Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

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

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Crack in the eggs and pour in vanilla extract.

Mix everything until a soft dough comes together.

This will be the foundation of your delicious bars.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base for your fruity filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Fruity Filling

• Fresh strawberries
• Lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Sugar

Mix gently to coat the strawberries with the sweet and tangy mixture.

Step 6: Layer the Filling

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the dough base, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 7: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, crumbly top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown color and a set filling.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy your fruity, crumbly treat.

Tips for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Press the base dough firmly and evenly to create a compact crust that prevents liquid from seeping through.
• Toss strawberries with a touch of cornstarch to help absorb excess moisture and maintain a vibrant fruit layer.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on strawberry ripeness; taste berries first to determine natural sweetness.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, crisp edges and stable structure.
• Grate fresh lemon zest directly into strawberry mixture for maximum citrus intensity and aromatic flavor.

Variations of Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same.
• Vegan Berry Bars: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter. Choose plant-based sugar to maintain the classic sweet flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh berries to reduce overall sugar content while keeping natural sweetness.
• Blueberry Lemon Alternative: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a different berry experience. Keep lemon zest and juice for bright, tangy notes.

Serving Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Summer Picnic Star: Pack these bars in a cute container for a delightful outdoor dessert that screams sunshine and fresh flavors.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside a light yogurt or whipped cream for an elegant morning treat that will impress your guests.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair with a cool glass of lemonade or herbal tea for a refreshing mid-day sweet moment that complements the lemon-strawberry essence.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange these bars with other seasonal fruit desserts to create a colorful and tempting dessert spread that highlights the vibrant strawberry and zesty lemon notes.

Storing Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 325F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and revive flavors.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon strawberry crumb bars blend zesty citrus with sweet summer berries in a mouthwatering dessert. Crumbly golden layers and fresh fruit create a perfect balance that will tempt your taste buds with each irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry mixture by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Introduce eggs and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, gently blending until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan, pressing firmly to create an even base layer.
5. Craft a fruity filling by mixing fresh strawberries with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and sugar in a separate bowl.
6. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly across the prepared crust, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Delicately crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and set edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes for the perfect crumbly texture that creates a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Adjust sugar levels by reducing amount or using alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia for a lower-calorie and diabetic-friendly version of the dessert.
• Use fresh, in-season strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness, avoiding overly soft or mushy fruits that might make the bars soggy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg