Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, you’ve come to the right place. These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a mouth-watering treat that combines the bright zing of fresh lemons with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, all nestled in a buttery crumb crust. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a simple, delicious recipe, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure you end up with crumbly, flavorful perfection. Read on to discover how to make these irresistible bars and impress your family and friends!

this Recipe

What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are delightful dessert bars that layer a sweet, zesty lemon filling with fresh strawberries between a buttery crumb crust and topping. They combine the best of both worlds: the tanginess of lemon and the sweetness of strawberries, with a soft yet crunchy texture that’s downright addictive. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend treat to a party dessert that will steal the show. They’re easy to prepare, transport well, and are loved by both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

For the perfect Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars, you’ll need a well-balanced mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious dessert bars:

For the Crumb Crust and Topping:

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

For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 2 lemons (about ⅓ cup)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Gluten-Free Option: You can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to maintain the proper texture.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) instead of a regular egg.
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to replace the strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can even mix and match fruits for a unique flavor combo.
• Citrus Twist: If you want to change things up, use lime or orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• Add Nuts: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumb topping for an extra layer of crunch.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

The process of making Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is straightforward and fun. Each step is designed to layer the flavors and textures for the perfect dessert bar. Here's how to create your own:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key to getting that perfect, buttery texture in both the crust and topping. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
3. Form the Crust
   Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press firmly to ensure the base holds together once baked. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
4. Make the Lemon Strawberry Filling
   In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too runny.
5. Assemble the Bars
   Pour the lemon strawberry filling evenly over the prepared crust. Spread it out so that each bite gets a good balance of strawberries and lemon. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the filling.
6. Bake the Bars
   Bake the Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma will be irresistible! Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

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

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crumb Mixture
   Mix together the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, then add the egg and vanilla.
3. Press the Crust
   Press two-thirds of the mixture into the baking pan to form the base.
4. Prepare the Filling
   Combine strawberries, lemon zest, juice, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Assemble and Bake
   Spread the filling over the crust, top with remaining crumbs, and bake until golden.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Not Using Cold Butter
   Cold butter is essential to achieving that crumbly texture in the crust and topping. If the butter is too soft, the crumbs will turn into a doughy mess.
2. Overbaking
   Be careful not to overbake the bars. They should be golden on top but still slightly soft in the middle. Overbaking can result in a dry and hard texture.
3. Skipping the Cooling Process
   It’s important to let the bars cool completely before slicing. Cutting them too early will cause the filling to ooze out, making the bars difficult to serve.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a visual and culinary treat, but the way you serve them can take them to the next level. Here’s how to present them beautifully:

• Cut into Clean Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into neat, even squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean lines.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh strawberries or a slice of lemon on top of each bar for a pop of color.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the bars a refined, bakery-style finish.

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How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

These bars can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. Serve them on their own for a simple dessert or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Layered Dessert Plate: Serve the bars alongside a few whole strawberries and a lemon wedge for a bright and fresh look.
• Tiered Stand: If you’re serving these at a party, arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand for a sophisticated display.
• Gift-Worthy Wrapping: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a decorative ribbon for a homemade gift idea.

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Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: They also freeze well. Simply wrap the cooled bars in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Easy Clean-Up: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars and cleaning up a breeze.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.

Q: How long do Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars last?
A: They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I substitute the lemon in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the lemon for lime or orange to switch up the flavor profile.

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Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With a buttery crumb base, a sweet-tart lemon and strawberry filling, and a golden, crunchy topping, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're making them for a picnic, a party, or simply as a treat for yourself, these bars are easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and beautiful to serve. Give this recipe a try today, and prepare to be wowed!

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