If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the bright flavor of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries, these crumb bars are the perfect choice. They’re a delightful treat that will have your taste buds dancing. The contrast of the tart lemon and juicy strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
These crumb bars are not only delicious, but they’re also easy to make. Perfect for summer picnics or a sweet afternoon snack, they come together quickly and can be made ahead of time. Just slice and serve when you’re ready to enjoy!
Imagine biting into a soft, buttery crust layered with a luscious strawberry filling, all topped with a crumbly, golden topping. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Delightful Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
These lemon strawberry crumb bars combine a buttery crust with a crumbly topping, perfectly paired with a sweet-tart strawberry filling. The vibrant zest of lemon brings a refreshing brightness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries, making every bite a delightful experience.
The contrast between the crumbly texture and the juicy filling creates an irresistible treat. The visual appeal of the golden crust and the bright red strawberry layer adds to the overall enjoyment, ensuring these bars are not just tasty but also beautiful on the plate.
Preparing the Crust
To create the perfect base for these crumb bars, it’s essential to combine ingredients carefully. Start by mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Incorporating softened butter into this mixture helps achieve that desired crumbly texture.
Once the crust mixture is ready, press half of it evenly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. This forms the foundation for the luscious strawberry filling that follows.
Crafting the Strawberry Filling
The filling is where the magic happens. By combining fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch in a bowl, you create a bright and flavorful mixture. This combination allows the strawberries to shine while the lemon enhances their natural sweetness.
Pour the strawberry mixture over the crust, ensuring it is spread evenly. This layer is the heart of the bars, and its vibrant color makes the dessert even more inviting.
Adding the Crumb Topping
The final touch is the crumbly topping, which adds texture and flavor. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the strawberry filling, covering it completely. This topping will bake to a golden brown, creating a beautiful contrast against the bright filling.
When baked, the crumb topping becomes crisp and complements the soft filling, making for a delightful combination of textures.
Baking to Perfection
Bake the assembled dessert in a preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly. This usually takes about 30 to 35 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible!
After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the dish. This step is crucial as it helps the bars firm up, making slicing easier and more manageable.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
Once cooled, cut the bars into neat squares and serve them on a rustic wooden table for a cheerful presentation. A slice of lemon and fresh strawberries beside the bars enhances the summery vibe.
These lemon strawberry crumb bars are perfect for picnics, gatherings, or simply as a sweet afternoon treat. Their vibrant colors and delightful flavors will surely impress anyone who takes a bite!
Delightful Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
These lemon strawberry crumb bars feature a buttery crust and crumbly topping, complemented by a sweet-tart strawberry filling. The zesty lemon adds a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness, resulting in a delightful bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press half of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Stir until well mixed, then pour the strawberry mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberry filling, covering it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely in the dish before slicing into bars. Enjoy your lemon strawberry crumb bars!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 9 bars
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
