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Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe

4.9 from 148 reviews

These delightful Strawberry Crumb Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust layered with a sweet and tangy fresh strawberry filling. Baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for a summer dessert or snack, combining the freshness of strawberries with a rich crumb topping for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup very cold butter (8 tablespoons or 1 stick)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crumb bars.
  2. Prepare Pan: Line the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup white sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring well to distribute evenly.
  4. Cut in Butter: Using a fork, pastry cutter, or food processor, cut cold butter into the flour mixture until the dough resembles pea-sized crumbs; keep the butter very cold for the best crumb texture.
  5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the egg lightly in a separate bowl, then add it along with vanilla extract to the crumb mixture. Combine until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
  6. Form Base Crust: Press half of the crumb dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
  7. Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and cornstarch until blended, then fold in the chopped strawberries.
  8. Layer Strawberries: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the base crust in the pan.
  9. Add Crumb Topping: Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the strawberry layer, covering it as best as possible.
  10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. Note that baking time may vary; this recipe baked in about 38 minutes in a hotter oven.
  11. Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For optimal slicing and serving, refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is very cold to achieve the best crumb texture.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • Refrigerate bars after cooling for easier cutting and better consistency.
  • Baking times can vary depending on the oven temperature; watch for a golden brown top.

Keywords: Strawberry crumb bars, berry dessert, crumb topping, easy baking, fresh strawberry bars, summer dessert, fruit bars