Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Are you a fan of desserts that balance sweet and tangy flavors perfectly? Then you're in for a treat! These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are an irresistible blend of tart lemons, juicy strawberries, and a buttery crumb topping. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward to follow and yields incredibly rewarding results. Read on to learn how to make these scrumptious crumb bars that are sure to impress your family and friends.

What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the bright flavors of lemon and strawberry in a layered bar format. The base is made from a buttery crumbly dough that also doubles as the topping, while the filling is a luscious combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon. The result is a bar that’s perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness and tartness, with a rich and buttery texture that crumbles in your mouth. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or as a special treat for yourself.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

To make these flavorful bars, you'll need the following ingredients. Be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base for your crust and topping.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the crust.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Gives the crust and topping that buttery, crumbly texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the bars a little lift and airiness.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the tender texture.

For the Strawberry Lemon Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped): The star of the filling, providing that juicy, fruity flavor.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Adds bright citrus notes.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Balances the sweetness of the strawberries with tartness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps thicken it.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and keeps it from becoming too runny.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to suit your preferences or available ingredients.

• Use frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can easily substitute frozen strawberries. Be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them.
• Switch up the fruit: Try using raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries in place of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
• Add almond extract: For a slight twist, you can add a touch of almond extract to the crumb mixture for a nutty flavor that complements the strawberries.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works 1:1 in baking for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan option: You can replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars from scratch. With just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying these mouthwatering treats in no time!

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to easily lift the bars out after baking. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.

2. Make the Crust and Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg until the dough comes together. Press half of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Filling

In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated and the mixture begins to thicken.

4. Assemble the Bars

Pour the strawberry lemon filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to cover the base. Crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry mixture, making sure to cover the filling as much as possible without packing it down.

5. Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and cut them into squares.

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

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dough: Combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) and cut in the cold butter until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Mix in the egg until the dough holds together.
3. Form the Crust: Press half of this dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan to form the crust.
4. Make the Filling: Mix together the chopped strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Spread this filling over the crust.
5. Add Crumb Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the filling. Don’t press it down; you want the crumbly texture.
6. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. For best results, refrigerate them for about an hour to make slicing easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: When working with the dough, avoid overmixing, as it can result in a tough crust and topping.
• Using warm butter: Be sure to use cold butter for the crumb mixture. Warm or melted butter can cause the crust to become too dense.
• Not thickening the filling: The cornstarch helps to thicken the strawberry filling. If you skip it, the filling might be too runny and won’t set properly.
• Skipping the cooling process: Don’t rush the cooling time. The bars need to fully cool before you cut into them, or they’ll fall apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a stunning dessert on their own, but if you want to elevate your presentation, here are some ideas to impress your guests.

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• At room temperature: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. Once they've cooled, you can serve them straight from the pan or arrange them on a platter for a more elegant presentation.
• Chilled: You can refrigerate the bars for a few hours for a cool, refreshing treat, especially during the warmer months.
• With whipped cream or ice cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Garnish with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• Top with fresh berries: Garnish each bar with a slice of fresh strawberry or a thin lemon wedge for a decorative and flavorful touch.
• Serve on a cake stand: Arrange the bars on a tiered cake stand for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice: The fresh lemon juice gives the filling a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
• Chill before cutting: For cleaner slices, chill the bars in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares.
• Store properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
A: Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, these bars will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Do I need to use fresh lemons?
A: Fresh lemons give the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, it may not have the same brightness.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking.

Q: How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?
A: Make sure to use cornstarch in the filling to thicken it, and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a refreshing and delicious dessert that balances the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of lemon. Whether you’re serving these at a gathering or simply treating yourself, they’re sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you’ll be able to whip up these bars in no time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start baking today!

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