Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Sweet and Buttery Summer Treat
These Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect way to celebrate summer’s sweetest fruit. With a buttery shortbread-like base, a juicy strawberry filling, and a golden crumb topping, these bars are irresistible. The combination of textures—tender crust, jammy fruit, and crisp streusel—makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a simple dessert, these bars are sure to impress.
Made with simple pantry staples and fresh strawberries, this recipe is both approachable and impressive. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries shines through, balanced by the rich, crumbly dough. These Strawberry Crumb Bars are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an afternoon treat with tea. Plus, they hold up well for days, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet-tart strawberries with buttery, vanilla-kissed crumb layers.
- Texture: Tender base, jammy filling, and crisp crumb topping for a perfect contrast.
- Aroma: Warm vanilla and fresh strawberry fragrance that fills the kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown crumb topping with vibrant red strawberry filling peeking through.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with minimal techniques required.
- Special Equipment: Just a mixing bowl, baking dish, and basic kitchen tools.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced bakers. The dough comes together quickly, and the filling requires minimal prep.
- Category: Dessert, snack, or brunch addition.
- Cuisine: American-style crumb bars with a classic fruit dessert appeal.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using seasonal strawberries and pantry staples.
- Season: Best in late spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak.
- Occasion: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The taste and texture of these Strawberry Crumb Bars are simply irresistible. The buttery crust and topping complement the bright, fruity filling perfectly. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the tender base, jammy strawberries, and crisp crumbles on top. The natural sweetness of the strawberries means you can adjust the sugar to your preference, making these bars versatile for all tastes.
Convenience is another major advantage of this recipe. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these bars in the oven and ready to enjoy. They require no special decorating skills—the rustic crumb topping looks beautiful with minimal effort. Plus, they transport well, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or packing in lunchboxes.
Nutritionally, these bars offer more than just empty calories. Strawberries provide vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, while the whole grain flour option adds extra nutrients. Compared to store-bought desserts, you control the ingredients and can reduce sugar without sacrificing flavor. The bars also freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy summer strawberries year-round.
For entertaining, Strawberry Crumb Bars are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to serve, require no utensils, and appeal to all ages. The vibrant red filling makes them visually appealing on any dessert table. You can dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for special occasions.
Cost-effectiveness makes this recipe a winner too. When strawberries are in season, they’re affordable and packed with flavor. The other ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. This recipe stretches a small amount of fruit to feed a crowd, making it budget-friendly for large gatherings.
The Recipe
Strawberry Crumb Bars
Serves: 16
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg and vanilla together. Add to flour mixture and stir until combined. The dough will be crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In another bowl, combine strawberries, cornstarch, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Crumble remaining dough over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Cool completely in pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Recipe Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Frozen strawberries can be used—thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Bars keep well at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
