Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Looking for the perfect dessert that combines a zesty citrus flavor with the sweetness of strawberries? These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are your answer. This delightful treat is the perfect mix of tangy lemon, sweet strawberries, and a buttery, crumbly topping. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something sweet at home, this easy recipe will become your go-to. Keep reading to discover all the details and step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering dessert!

What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delicious dessert that consists of layers of buttery, crumbly shortbread dough, a fresh strawberry filling, and a touch of lemon for extra zest. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the contrasting textures, makes these crumb bars an irresistible treat. They’re a fantastic choice for summer picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re a fan of fruity, citrusy desserts, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

To make these delicious crumb bars, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor. Here's the full list of ingredients you'll need for the crumb bar base and the filling:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon (for extra flavor)

For the Strawberry Lemon Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking for ways to tweak the Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make:

1. Butter Substitutes: If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
2. Fruit Variations: Don’t have strawberries on hand? You can easily swap them out for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You could also try a combination of different fruits for an exciting twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon yourself to help with texture.
4. Low-Sugar Version: For a lower-sugar option, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, or replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar.
5. Citrus Variations: While lemon gives a nice zest, you can also experiment with lime or orange to change up the citrus flavor.
6. Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, consider mixing in ½ cup of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) into the crumble topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating these delicious crumb bars is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect batch of Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should still be visible in small chunks.
4. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract to add extra flavor.
5. Take about ⅔ of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the base of your crumb bars.
6. Set aside the remaining ⅓ of the crumble mixture to be used as the topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the strawberries soften and release their juices, continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch will help the filling set properly.
3. Remove the strawberry mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cooled strawberry lemon filling over the pressed crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the filling. You want to ensure that you cover most of the filling, but it's okay if some strawberry mixture peeks through.
3. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top crumble turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best texture and flavor, it's a good idea to refrigerate the bars for about an hour before serving. This helps the filling set completely, making it easier to slice the bars cleanly.

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

Making the perfect Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars requires a few essential steps that ensure each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Here's a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare your crust and crumble by mixing butter, flour, and sugar until you have a coarse crumb.
2. Cook the strawberry lemon filling to create a thick, jam-like texture.
3. Assemble the layers by pressing the crumble mixture into the pan, adding the strawberry filling, and topping with the remaining crumble.
4. Bake until golden and let the bars cool before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly simple, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

1. Using soft butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture. If your butter is too soft, the mixture will become too sticky.
2. Overcooking the filling: Cook the strawberry lemon filling just until it thickens. Overcooking can result in a too-thick consistency, which may not spread well on the base.
3. Not pressing the crust firmly enough: Make sure to press the bottom layer firmly into the pan. If it’s too loose, the bars might fall apart after baking.
4. Not letting the bars cool: Cutting into the bars too soon can cause them to fall apart. Be patient and let them cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars can be served in a variety of ways to elevate the experience. Here are some ideas:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature: For a clean slice and firm texture, these bars are best served chilled. However, they can also be served at room temperature for a softer texture.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Before serving, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream: For a truly decadent dessert, pair the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

• Cut into uniform squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares or rectangles for a professional look.
• Garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries: Add a fresh lemon slice or a few strawberry halves on top of each bar for a colorful and appealing presentation.
• Serve on a decorative platter: Arrange the bars on a beautiful platter to make them the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze these bars. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, you can reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking, as they will release more liquid than fresh strawberries.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste better after they've been refrigerated for a few hours, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?

Make sure to cook the strawberry filling until it thickens properly. Also, letting the bars cool and set in the fridge before slicing will help prevent a soggy bottom.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

For the cleanest slices, allow the bars to cool completely and refrigerate them for at least an hour. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.

Conclusion

These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberries, with a buttery crumble, creates a delicious treat that's sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Enjoy these bars with family and friends, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow dessert lovers!

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