These Strawberry Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of a buttery, crumbly crust and a juicy, sweet-tangy strawberry filling. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the fresh strawberries to shine, creating a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the contrast between the tender, buttery crust and the vibrant, fruity center, making these bars a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these Strawberry Crumble Bars because they offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, slightly crisp crust pairs perfectly with the soft, juicy strawberries, while the hint of vanilla adds a comforting sweetness. These bars are easy to prepare, require just a few ingredients, and are incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them as a dessert, a snack, or even with your morning coffee. The fresh strawberries give these bars a bright, summery flavor that’s hard to resist.
Perfect Occasion:
These strawberry bars are ideal for any occasion where you want to offer a simple yet delicious homemade treat. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet snack to share with friends and family. Their portable nature makes them great for lunchboxes or as a grab-and-go breakfast option. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just looking for a quick dessert to whip up, these strawberry bars are sure to be a hit.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, consider dusting the top of the cooled bars with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the bars for a touch of extra sweetness and shine. If you want to add a pop of color, garnish each bar with a small fresh strawberry or a few sprigs of mint. For a more decadent treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed. - Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together until the strawberries are evenly coated and the mixture starts to thicken slightly. - Assemble the Bars:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Press half of the crumbly dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming the base layer. Spread the strawberry mixture over the base, ensuring the strawberries are evenly distributed. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the strawberry layer, allowing some of the fruit to peek through. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. The bars should be fragrant and slightly firm to the touch. - Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut the bars into squares. Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.
Enjoy!
These Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.