Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Buttery, Fruity Delight for Any Occasion
These Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of buttery shortbread, sweet strawberry filling, and a golden crumb topping. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck, or simply craving a fruity treat, these bars are sure to impress. The tender crust and juicy strawberry center create a delightful contrast in textures, while the crumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
Made with simple ingredients, these strawberry dessert bars are easy to prepare yet taste like they came from a professional bakery. The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries shines through, complemented by the rich, buttery base. These bars are versatile enough to serve as an afternoon snack with tea or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, they’re a great way to use up seasonal strawberries when they’re at their peak ripeness.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Sweet strawberries balanced with buttery shortbread and a hint of vanilla.
- Texture: Tender crust with a juicy strawberry filling and crisp crumb topping.
- Aroma: The scent of baked strawberries and butter will fill your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant red strawberry filling peeking through golden crumbles.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques.
- Special Equipment: Just a basic 9×9-inch baking pan and mixing bowls.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: These strawberry crumb bars are perfect for bakers of all levels. The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no need for fancy decorating skills.
- Category: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat.
- Cuisine: A classic American dessert with influences from traditional fruit crumbles.
- Cost: Made with affordable pantry staples and seasonal strawberries.
- Season: Best made in spring and summer with fresh strawberries, but frozen berries work year-round.
- Occasion: Great for picnics, potlucks, bake sales, or casual family desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of flavors in these strawberry crumb bars is simply irresistible. The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect foundation for the sweet-tart strawberry filling, while the crumb topping adds delightful texture. Unlike many desserts that require precise decorating skills, these bars are meant to look rustic and homemade, taking the pressure off perfection.
From a convenience standpoint, these bars are a dream. The dough doubles as both the crust and the topping, meaning fewer bowls to wash. They’re also easy to transport, making them ideal for parties or gifting. The recipe is forgiving too – if your strawberries are extra juicy or your crumb topping isn’t perfectly even, the results will still be delicious.
Nutritionally, these bars offer more than your average dessert. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and when you use whole grain flour, you add fiber to the equation. While they’re certainly a treat, they’re one you can feel slightly better about enjoying.
Socially, these bars are always a hit. Their homey appearance invites people to help themselves, and the familiar flavors appeal to all ages. They spark conversation about summer memories and family recipes, making them more than just food – they’re a way to connect.
Cost-wise, this recipe is budget-friendly. Basic pantry ingredients form the base, and strawberries are one of the more affordable fresh fruits, especially in season. The recipe stretches a small amount of fruit into many servings, making it economical for feeding a crowd.
The Recipe
Strawberry Crumb Bars
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1/2 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. Add to flour mixture and stir until dough comes together.
- Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, toss strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and cornstarch. Spread evenly over crust.
- Crumble remaining dough over strawberry layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is golden brown.
- Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars.
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest to the strawberry mixture.
- Frozen strawberries can be used – thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.