Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

If you're looking for a sweet, tangy dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds, these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect choice! With a buttery crumb crust, a zesty lemon filling, and juicy strawberries, each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you're making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are a sure hit. Keep reading to discover how to create this delightful treat, along with tips, variations, and expert tricks to ensure they come out perfect every time.

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What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a scrumptious dessert made from layers of buttery shortbread-like crumbs, a citrusy lemon filling, and fresh, juicy strawberries. These bars are a delightful mix of textures: the soft, tangy filling perfectly complements the crispy crumb topping. They’re ideal for summer when strawberries are in season, but they’re so good, you'll want to bake them all year long.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Before you get started, gather all the ingredients you need for these delicious crumb bars. Here’s everything required to create the crust, filling, and topping:

For the 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, cubed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Substitutions and Variations

One of the joys of baking is that recipes are flexible, and Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are no exception. You can make substitutions and variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the same quantity. Make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for texture.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Keep in mind that coconut oil will give the bars a slightly different flavor.
• Different Fruits: Strawberries are fantastic in this recipe, but you can experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Try a mixed berry version for even more variety.
• Sugar-Free: For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness level of your substitute.
• Add Some Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the crumb mixture for a warmer, spiced flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how you can make these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars from start to finish. Follow this detailed guide, and you’ll have a batch of scrumptious bars ready in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should be crumbly but will stick together when pressed.
3. Form the Base:
   Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a flat-bottomed cup to press the crust down evenly. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it's lightly golden. Set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Filling:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, flour, and salt until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the strawberries.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
   In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar. Make sure the strawberries are well-coated.
6. Assemble the Layers:
   Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling evenly over the baked crust. Scatter the strawberry mixture on top of the lemon filling, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Add the Crumb Topping:
   Crumble the remaining third of the crumb mixture over the strawberries. It doesn’t need to cover the entire surface—leaving some gaps allows the strawberry and lemon layers to peek through.
8. Bake the Bars:
   Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
9. Cool and Slice:
   Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice them into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

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

Cooking Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure success. Here's a breakdown of the process:

• Preparation: Always preheat your oven and prepare your ingredients before you start. This ensures the process flows smoothly.
• Cold Butter for Crust: Using cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly, flaky texture. Don't overwork the mixture—just mix it until it's crumbly.
• Lemon Filling Consistency: The lemon filling should be smooth and lump-free. Whisk it thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are fully combined.
• Even Layering: Layer the filling and strawberries evenly to get a balanced flavor in each bite.
• Cooling: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents a messy slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Crust: When making the crumb crust, don’t overmix. You want it crumbly so it has a light, flaky texture.
2. Skipping the Parchment Paper: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper. It makes removing the bars much easier and keeps the crust from sticking.
3. Undercooking or Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the bars while baking. Overcooking will make them dry, while undercooking will leave the filling too runny.
4. Not Cooling Before Slicing: Cutting the bars while they're still warm can cause the filling to spill out and ruin their structure.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve baked your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars, let’s talk about how to serve and present them for maximum enjoyment.

• Cool Completely: These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Cooling them ensures the filling is set and the layers hold together.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a professional look, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: These bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Layered Dessert Tray: Arrange the bars in neat rows on a tiered dessert tray, dusted lightly with powdered sugar.
• Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add a few fresh strawberries and lemon slices on the side of the plate for extra color.
• Serve on Colorful Plates: Choose bright, summery-colored plates like yellow or light green to complement the sunny flavors of the dessert.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and other ingredients for the filling are at room temperature to help everything mix more easily.
• Add Extra Zest: If you love a strong lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest to the filling.
• Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to five days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Absolutely! Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars freeze well. After cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and keep an eye on the bars while they bake.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
A: The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the filling is set. You can gently jiggle the pan to check if the center still seems too runny, and bake a few more minutes if necessary.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the ultimate combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberries, with a buttery crumb crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or simply as a delightful treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Try out different variations, experiment with substitutions, and enjoy the process of baking these delicious bars. Happy baking!

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