These Strawberry Crumble Bars offer a scrumptious variation on traditional fruit crumbles, featuring a sturdy, flavorful base that holds a juicy, sweet-tart strawberry filling, topped with a crispy, golden crumble. Perfect for those who love the combination of fresh fruit and a textured topping, these bars are a must-try. If strawberries aren't your favorite, this recipe easily adapts to other fruits like blueberries, making it versatile and appealing for all tastes.
Why You'll Love This: If you're a fan of fruit desserts, these crumble bars will hit the spot with their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The process is straightforward and fun, making it an excellent activity for an afternoon of baking. The result is a portable, neat dessert that's easier to serve than traditional crumbles, ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or a comforting treat at home.
Perfect Occasion: Strawberry Crumble Bars are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a sweet finale to a family dinner. They're also great for bake sales or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors. Enjoy them any time you want a burst of berry goodness in a convenient bar form.
Decoration Tips: Serve these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a more decadent touch, drizzle a little vanilla glaze over the top before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 3/4 cups strawberries, quartered
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) cold cubed vegan butter
Directions:
- Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a small oven-safe baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a bowl, mix together the oats, flour, salt, and brown sugar.
- Cut in the vegan butter using your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, combine the quartered strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, flour, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid base. Bake for 5 minutes to set.
- Remove from the oven and evenly spread the strawberry filling over the base. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the filling.
- Bake:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool before slicing into squares. This helps them set and makes them easier to serve.
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Crumble Bars, where each bite brings a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch!