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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Introduce eggs and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, gently blending until a cohesive dough forms.
- Transfer approximately two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan, pressing firmly to create an even base layer.
- Craft a fruity filling by mixing fresh strawberries with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly across the prepared crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Delicately crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and set edges.
- 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