If you’re looking for a dessert that blends the brightness of lemons with the sweetness of strawberries, then you're in the right place! Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a tangy, fruity filling. Whether you're baking for a summer picnic, family gathering, or just craving something sweet and tart, these bars are sure to impress. Stay tuned as we guide you through the ingredients, steps, and tips to create these irresistibly delicious bars!
What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a dessert that layers a buttery shortbread-like base with a fresh, zesty lemon and strawberry filling, all topped with a crumbly, golden crust. The combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberries offers a balance of flavors that will please any palate. With their bright, sunny flavor and beautiful presentation, these crumb bars are perfect for summer months but can be enjoyed year-round.
Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for the shortbread-like crust and crumbly topping.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the crust.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed) – Provides richness and a tender, crumbly texture.
For the Strawberry Lemon Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped) – Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the fruit filling.
- Zest of 1 lemon – Adds a bright, citrusy note.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons) – Provides tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors.
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – Adds a light, decorative touch.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – For extra indulgence.
Substitutions and Variations
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are highly versatile, so feel free to get creative with substitutions and variations!
- Strawberry Substitutes: If strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries. Mixed berries also make a delicious variation.
- Lemon Alternatives: While lemon gives these bars their signature tang, you can switch things up by using lime or orange for a citrus twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble topping.
- Extra Flavor Enhancements: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or ginger into the crumble for a warm spice note.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get started with making these delicious Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars. Follow this simple guide, and you’ll have perfectly crumbly, fruity bars in no time!
How to Cook Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the butter is incorporated, and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping.
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, make the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries have softened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the strawberry lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the filling, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The crumble should have a nice crisp texture, while the filling will be soft and thickened.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. If desired, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars:
- Using Room Temperature Butter: Make sure to use cold butter for the crust and crumble. Warm butter will make the crust too soft, and you won’t get that desired crumbly texture.
- Skipping the Pre-Baking Step: Always pre-bake the crust before adding the filling. Skipping this step will result in a soggy bottom layer.
- Overmixing the Crumble: When mixing the crumb topping, you want it to be coarse and crumbly, not a smooth dough. If you overmix, you’ll lose that lovely crumbly texture.
- Not Thickening the Filling Enough: Make sure your filling has thickened on the stovetop before adding it to the crust. If it's too liquid, the bars might be runny.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key, especially when serving these vibrant, flavorful bars at a gathering. Here are some tips to make your Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. For an elegant presentation:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly sift powdered sugar over the bars before serving for a classic, bakery-style finish.
- Add Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Pair the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Top each bar with a slice of fresh strawberry or a lemon twist for a pop of color.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
- Serve on a Cake Stand: Arrange the bars on a decorative cake stand or tray for a more sophisticated look.
- Add Fresh Mint: Garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint to enhance the visual appeal and add a fresh, aromatic element.
- Individual Plates: Serve the bars on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of lemon sauce or strawberry puree for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Freezing: You can freeze these crumb bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. This will prevent the bars from becoming too watery.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-baking the crust is essential for preventing sogginess. Additionally, make sure the strawberry lemon filling has thickened enough before pouring it over the crust.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors tend to improve after resting for a few hours or overnight.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you're baking for a crowd. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful, versatile dessert that combines the best of tart and sweet flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a simple treat at home, they’re sure to be a hit. With their buttery crust, fresh fruity filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are not only delicious but also easy to make. So grab your ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and treat yourself to these deliciously crumbly, sweet, and tangy bars!
PrintLemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars combine tangy lemons and fresh strawberries in a sweet filling, topped with a buttery crumble. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes and cut them in until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in egg.
- Press half the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Toss diced strawberries with lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch.
- Spread the strawberry mixture over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest in the dough.
You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
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