Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Craving a sweet yet tangy treat that is perfect for any occasion? Lemon strawberry crumb bars are the perfect blend of zesty citrus and juicy strawberries, wrapped in a buttery crumbly base and topping. Whether you’re looking for a delightful summer dessert or a comforting winter snack, this recipe hits the spot. Stay tuned as we dive into how to make these irresistible bars, offering helpful tips, substitutions, and answers to common baking questions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

this Recipe

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What are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon strawberry crumb bars are a delicious dessert that features a layer of sweet-tart strawberry filling mixed with zesty lemon juice, nestled between a buttery crumbly crust and topping. The combination of tangy lemon, fresh strawberries, and a golden, crunchy crumble make this dessert not only tasty but also incredibly satisfying. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a party, offering them as a treat to your family, or enjoying them as a mid-day indulgence.

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Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious lemon strawberry crumb bars:

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Lemon Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon lemon zest
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to tweak the recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs, here are a few substitutions and variations you can consider:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.
• Butter Substitution: You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine if you’re dairy-free, but this may slightly alter the flavor.
• Fruit Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just strawberries! Feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of your favorite berries for a fun twist on this recipe.
• Sweeteners: If you prefer a natural sweetener, swap out the granulated sugar for honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Just be mindful that the texture might be affected slightly.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making lemon strawberry crumb bars may look impressive, but it's easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of these heavenly bars.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture is well combined but still crumbly. This will serve as both the crust and crumble topping.

Step 2: Press the Crust into the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, using your hands or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. Set aside the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Lemon Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Pour the strawberry lemon filling evenly over the pressed crust in the pan. Spread it out to cover the entire surface. Next, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the strawberry filling, ensuring some of the fruit peeks through.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling. Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing them. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to cut. Once chilled, slice into squares or rectangles and serve!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is quite straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind to ensure your lemon strawberry crumb bars turn out perfectly:

• Using warm butter: Always use cold butter for the crust and crumble. This helps create a flaky, crumbly texture. Warm butter will make the mixture too soft, resulting in a dense crust.
• Overcooking the filling: Be careful not to cook the strawberry lemon filling for too long. The goal is to slightly thicken the filling, not to turn it into a jam.
• Cutting the bars too soon: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but let the bars cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set, giving you clean, neat bars.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

These lemon strawberry crumb bars are not just tasty but also visually appealing. Here are some serving and presentation tips to elevate your dessert game:

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• With Ice Cream: Serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream and warm, gooey bars create an amazing contrast.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light and airy element to the rich bars.
• On Their Own: These crumb bars are delicious all on their own, with their perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: For a vibrant pop of color, garnish each bar with a small strawberry slice or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest.
• Serve on Decorative Plates: Present the bars on decorative plates or a cake stand for an added touch of sophistication, perfect for parties or gatherings.

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Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Bars: Let the bars cool completely before cutting, as this helps the filling firm up for neater slices.
• Double the Filling for Extra Fruity Bars: If you’re a fruit lover, feel free to double the amount of strawberry lemon filling for a thicker, fruitier center.
• Add a Pinch of Cinnamon: For an unexpected twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble mixture. It adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and lemon.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. Otherwise, your filling may turn out too watery.

Q: How long do lemon strawberry crumb bars last?
A: These bars will keep well for up to 4-5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q: How can I make the bars even more lemony?
A: For an extra punch of lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon zest to the crust mixture or drizzle the bars with a lemon glaze after they’ve cooled.

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Conclusion

Lemon strawberry crumb bars are a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a buttery, crunchy crumble that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, serving them at a gathering, or packing them for a picnic, these bars are sure to be a hit. With easy substitutions and fun variations, you can tailor this recipe to fit any occasion or dietary preference. Now that you know how to make them, it’s time to get baking and treat yourself to these delicious crumb bars!

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