Looking for the perfect blend of tart lemon and juicy strawberry flavors in a buttery, crumbly dessert? You’ve come to the right place! These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are an absolute treat for your taste buds, with a balance of sweet and tangy that’s simply irresistible. Packed with fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, and a golden crumb topping, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, this recipe will satisfy any dessert lover's cravings. So keep reading and discover how to make these divine bars from scratch — your taste buds will thank you later!

What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the bright flavors of lemon and strawberry with a buttery crumb topping. Essentially, the base layer is a shortbread-like crust, followed by a sweet and tangy strawberry-lemon filling, and topped with a golden, crumbly streusel. The contrast of flavors and textures in every bite makes these bars a popular choice for brunches, picnics, and as a simple treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.
These bars strike a perfect balance between the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the tartness of fresh lemon, all complemented by the richness of the buttery crumb. Perfect for any occasion, they're easy to make yet impressive enough to leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
To get started, you'll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the delicious layers and flavors of these crumb bars:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the crumb mixture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – To sweeten the crust and crumble.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the crumble topping.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps give the crust and crumble a slight lift.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes) – For a rich, buttery flavor and texture in the crust and crumble.
- 1 large egg yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced – Juicy strawberries are the star of this recipe, providing sweetness and a bit of texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – To enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the strawberry filling to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Adds a bright, zesty flavor to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Provides tanginess to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – For an added layer of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are a few ways to make it your own or adjust based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The bars will still have a deliciously crumbly texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Coconut oil is another option, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
- Fruit Variations: Instead of strawberries, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. You can also swap the lemon for lime for a unique citrus twist.
- Sweetener Swap: You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the texture.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. These Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are simple to make but do require a bit of preparation. Follow these step-by-step instructions for flawless results.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures the bars don’t stick to the pan and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk until the dough starts to come together.
Take two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Make sure it’s evenly pressed down, as this will serve as the base for the bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Strawberry Filling
In another bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the strawberries are evenly coated, and the mixture is well-combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Make sure the strawberries are distributed in an even layer to ensure consistent bites of fruit in each bar.
Step 5: Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the strawberry layer. Try to distribute the crumbs evenly, covering as much of the fruit as possible.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling. The crumble should be slightly crisp when done.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes cutting the bars much easier. Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve!
How to Cook Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking these crumb bars is a breeze, but attention to detail is important to ensure the perfect texture. From preparing the crust to assembling the layers and achieving the ideal crumbly topping, each step plays a vital role in bringing the flavors together. Always remember to start with cold butter, as this ensures the crust and crumble hold their structure and provide that signature "crunch" without becoming soggy.
The strawberry filling needs to be thickened properly with cornstarch to avoid a runny consistency. Lemon juice not only adds a tangy contrast but also helps the filling maintain its fresh, vibrant color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this can go wrong if you're not careful. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Warm Butter: Cold butter is key to achieving the perfect crumb texture. If the butter is too soft, the crust and crumble will turn out greasy and dense.
- Skipping the Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the fruit filling. Without it, the bars may become too watery and won’t hold their shape when sliced.
- Not Cooling Completely: It’s tempting to slice into the bars while they're still warm, but this can cause the filling to spill out. Let the bars cool completely for the best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars, a little extra effort can make them even more appealing. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled for a refreshing treat.
How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
You can serve these bars as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re also perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
For a visually stunning presentation, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle a light glaze made of lemon juice and powdered sugar. You can also garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a small mint leaf for a pop of color.
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the crumble mixture for 15-20 minutes before assembling the bars can help create a more defined crumb texture.
- Lining the Pan: Use parchment paper with a slight overhang on the edges to lift the bars out of the pan for easy cutting.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They also freeze well; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. They keep well when stored in the refrigerator.
Q: How can I make the bars less sweet?
A: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and the crust slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat. Adding more lemon zest can also enhance the tartness.
Conclusion
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: tangy citrus and sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees delicious results. Perfect for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or just a treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet and tangy perfection of Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars!
PrintLemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe
This Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars recipe combines fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for desserts or snacks, these bars are easy to prepare with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. Follow the easy steps to make these fruity and tangy treats, which are perfect for a summer dessert. Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delicious way to enjoy seasonal fruits with a rich crumbly crust. Ideal for sharing or indulging on your own!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and egg, mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix strawberries, lemon zest, and juice. Spread this over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool, then cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute other berries like raspberries or blueberries for variety.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
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