If you love the sweet, juicy taste of strawberries combined with the zesty tang of lemons, then you're in for a treat! Lemon strawberry crumb bars are the perfect dessert, combining the freshness of fruit with a buttery, crumbly crust and topping. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a delicious dessert to accompany your afternoon tea, or simply want to indulge in something special, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Keep reading to discover the full step-by-step recipe, tips, variations, and how to make these bars perfectly every time!
What Are Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars?
Lemon strawberry crumb bars are a layered dessert that consists of a sweet strawberry filling and a zesty lemon flavor sandwiched between two crumbly, buttery layers. The combination of flavors and textures makes it the perfect summer dessert, but it’s equally enjoyable any time of the year. These bars are often served chilled, making them a refreshing and flavorful treat. Their crumbly base and topping add a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the gooey, fruity center.
Now, let’s jump right into what you'll need to make these delicious crumb bars!
Ingredients List for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
To make the perfect batch of lemon strawberry crumb bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crumb Base and Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful fusion of flavors that are sure to impress your friends and family. Make sure you have everything ready before you begin!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about lemon strawberry crumb bars is that they’re highly customizable! You can swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or to try different flavor combinations.
- Butter Substitution: You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.
- Fruit Variations: Not a fan of strawberries? Feel free to swap them for raspberries, blueberries, or even mixed berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar levels if needed, depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
- Sugar Alternatives: To make these bars refined sugar-free, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
- Citrus Twist: Try adding lime zest and juice for a different zesty flavor, or mix lemon and orange for a unique citrus blend.
Experimenting with substitutions and variations can help you create your perfect version of lemon strawberry crumb bars that cater to your preferences.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and know your options for substitutions, let’s get started! Follow these simple instructions to make your crumb bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract and stir until combined. This will serve as both the base and the crumb topping.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly to form the base layer of your bars.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Lemon Filling
In another bowl, mix the diced strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir everything together until the strawberries are well-coated and the cornstarch has dissolved into the mixture.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Evenly spread the strawberry lemon filling over the crumb base, ensuring the strawberries are distributed evenly.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the strawberry filling. Don’t worry if some strawberry filling peeks through; that’s part of the charm!
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The aroma of fresh strawberries and lemon will fill your kitchen as the bars bake to perfection!
Step 8: Cool and Chill
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours before cutting. This will help them set and make slicing easier.
How to Cook Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish.
- Make the crumb mixture by combining the dry ingredients with chilled butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the prepared dish to form the base.
- Prepare the strawberry filling by mixing fresh strawberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Spread the filling evenly over the base layer.
- Top with the remaining crumb mixture and bake until golden brown.
- Cool and chill before slicing into bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using chilled butter: Chilled butter helps create a crumbly texture in both the base and topping. Soft butter will result in a doughy consistency, which won’t give you the right texture.
- Overmixing the crumb mixture: Be gentle when combining the ingredients for the crumb mixture. Overmixing will lead to a denser, less crumbly topping.
- Skipping the cornstarch in the filling: Cornstarch helps thicken the strawberry filling and prevents it from becoming too watery.
- Not chilling the bars before slicing: Cutting the bars before they’ve had time to chill can result in a messy, gooey texture. Patience is key!
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your lemon strawberry crumb bars truly stand out, consider the following serving and presentation tips:
- Chilled and Fresh: These bars taste best when served chilled. Pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours after baking for a perfectly set texture.
- Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon and sweet strawberries.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, give the bars a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with Fresh Strawberries and Lemon Slices: Adding a few fresh strawberries and thin lemon slices on top of each bar can enhance the look and make the flavors pop.
How to Serve Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
Lemon strawberry crumb bars are versatile and can be served in several ways:
- As a Dessert: Serve the bars as a dessert at parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers. They are easy to eat and don’t require utensils.
- With Afternoon Tea or Coffee: These crumb bars make an excellent treat to accompany tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
- At Brunch: Add these crumb bars to your brunch spread for a sweet option that complements savory dishes.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars
- Layer on a Dessert Tray: Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert tray for a beautiful display.
- Individual Plates: Serve each bar on a small dessert plate with a drizzle of berry coulis or lemon glaze on the side.
- Rustic Style: For a casual, rustic look, serve the bars on a wooden board with fresh berries scattered around.
Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your bars the best flavor.
- Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes removing the bars much easier and ensures clean slices.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
- Double the Recipe for Larger Crowds: If you’re serving a big group, double the recipe and use a larger baking dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before using them to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, these bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge.
Q: How should I store leftover bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.
Q: Can I substitute the lemon for lime?
A: Yes! Lime adds a slightly different citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Conclusion
Lemon strawberry crumb bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. With a crumbly texture, fresh fruit filling, and zesty lemon flavor, they’re a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a sweet afternoon snack, or adding them to your brunch menu, these bars are sure to impress. Follow the step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and get creative with your variations and presentation for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try this recipe today and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special!
PrintLemon Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe
These lemon strawberry crumb bars combine tart lemon and sweet strawberries for a refreshing dessert. Featuring a buttery crumb topping, this easy-to-make treat is bursting with fresh flavors and textures. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Strawberries
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in butter and egg, blending until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Combine strawberries, lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch. Spread this over the base layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest to the strawberry filling.
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Bars store well in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
Leave a Reply