Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, buttery dessert that truly captures the feel of summer, Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars should absolutely be at the top of your baking list. With juicy strawberries tucked into a golden, crumbly crust and topped off by a zesty lemon glaze, each bar is bursting with sweet-tart flavor and irresistible texture. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, enjoying an afternoon treat, or just feeling a little nostalgic for fresh berry desserts, these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars deliver pure sunshine in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars is straightforward, but every component matters! Each item has a purpose, contributing to the colorful look, rich taste, and easy-to-love texture of these crowd-pleasing bars.

• All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy backbone for both the crust and crumb topping, lending a tender bite and holding everything together.
• Baking powder: Just a touch gives the bars a little lift and prevents a dense, heavy base.
• Salt: A crucial pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors in every layer.
• Unsalted butter (very cold, cubed): Cold butter ensures the crumble stays perfectly crisp and golden as it bakes.
• 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk: This duo creates a richer, more tender crumb—don’t skip the extra yolk for the ultimate texture!
• Packed brown sugar: Adds caramel depth and chewiness without overpowering the delicate strawberry and lemon flavors.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a hint rounds out the flavors and adds that classic home-baked aroma.
• Chopped fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Their natural juices create a luscious, fruity filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling and draws out the berries’ juices, making every bite succulent.
• Cornstarch: Thickens up the berries as they bake so your bars keep their nice, clean shape.
• Lemon zest: Infuses the filling with lively citrus flavor, brightening up the berries beautifully.
• Confectioners’ sugar (for glaze): A silky-smooth base for the tangy lemon glaze that takes these bars over the top.
• Fresh lemon juice (for glaze): Adds a bracing, zippy finish and a whisper of sunny flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) for even, reliable baking. Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang—this makes lifting and cutting the Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars a total breeze later.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to create a blank canvas for buttery goodness. Add in your cold cubed butter, then cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even a food processor. You’re aiming for a mix that looks like moist, crumbly sand with plenty of little buttery bits. It will take a few minutes, but this step guarantees the best, tender crumb!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk your egg, egg yolk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture over your flour and butter crumbles, then gently fold together. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands—sometimes that’s the easiest way to bring the mixture together just enough for a perfect crumbly texture.

Step 4: Press in the Crust

Measure out about 6 cups of your crumble mixture and set 2 cups aside for the topping. Take the remaining mixture and gently press it into your prepared pan, creating a solid, even base. It’s okay if it feels a bit crumbly—this is what creates that signature tender crust under your juicy berries.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Filling

Toss your chopped strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest in a bowl until well combined. The sugar brings out the berries’ sweetness, while the cornstarch thickens the filling as it bakes. Spoon this fruity blend evenly over your base, spreading it out for even coverage.

Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping

Take your reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly on top of the strawberry layer. Press it down gently with your hands so it nests snugly into the filling, forming gorgeous, golden pockets when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and you can see strawberry juices bubbling at the edges. This not only ensures doneness but also melds the flavors for that irresistible bar-cookie texture.

Step 8: Cool, Glaze, and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack—it’s worth the wait! If you’re eager, chill them in the refrigerator to speed things up. While they cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and fresh lemon juice for your glaze. Drizzle over the bars, then use the parchment to lift them out. Slice into squares and prepare yourself for happy taste testers!

How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a scatter of finely grated lemon zest over the glazed bars makes them look extra special. For an even fancier finish, top each Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bar with a slice of fresh strawberry or a delicate mint leaf right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert. If you’re serving outdoors or at brunch, a little bowl of mixed fresh berries, lemon sorbet, or even some lightly sweetened whipped cream makes a lovely complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars on a tiered cake stand for a bake sale-worthy centerpiece, or wrap individual squares in parchment and twine for adorable picnic-ready treats. You can even slice them into triangles and serve on a platter with lemon slices and fresh strawberries for a festive look at showers or spring parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge. The flavors deepen a bit overnight, and the bars stay wonderfully moist and crumbly.

Freezing

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled, fully glazed bars between layers of parchment in a tightly sealed container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months this way—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a sweet treat.

Reheating

If you enjoy your bars slightly warm, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a low oven until just softened. The filling becomes luscious again, and the buttery crumb regains its melt-in-your-mouth magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars. Just use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw—and the texture will come out nearly identical to bars made with fresh berries.

What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

No pastry cutter? No problem. You can use two forks or even your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour. The goal is to work quickly so the butter stays cold, which creates the signature tender crumble.

Can the recipe be halved?

Yes, you can easily halve the recipe and bake in a 9-inch square pan. Just use 1 whole egg (instead of an egg and a yolk), and bake for about 35-37 minutes until the bars are browned on top and bubbling at the sides.

Can I make these without the lemon glaze?

Absolutely! While the lemon glaze adds an extra pop of brightness, Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are delicious even without it. You can leave off the glaze altogether or swap in a simple vanilla icing for a different twist.

Do I need to chill the bars before slicing?

Chilling isn’t strictly required, but letting the bars cool fully (or giving them a quick chill in the fridge) will make them much easier to lift and slice into neat squares. Plus, the flavors have time to meld together even more.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that practically glows with flavor and freshness, you can’t go wrong with Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars. They’re the perfect answer to berry season bounty—or any day you just want to bake something that makes everyone smile. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!

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