Strawberry Crumb Bars offer a delightful burst of fruity sweetness, perfect for any occasion where a light, refreshing dessert is desired. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly base and topping, with a vibrant, jammy layer of fresh strawberries in between. The strawberries cook down with a touch of sugar to form a thick, sweet filling that complements the crisp, golden crumble. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, Strawberry Crumb Bars are ideal for picnics, afternoon teas, or as a delicious treat to brighten up your day. Their simplicity and the delightful contrast between the juicy fruit filling and the crunchy topping make them a favorite for both bakers and dessert lovers.
Ingredients:
- For the crust and crumb topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 large egg, beaten
- For the strawberry filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Juice of half a lemon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the crust and topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and the beaten egg to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the quartered strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the strawberries are well coated and the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Assemble the bars:
- Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the strawberry filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.
Strawberry Crumb Bars are a wonderful combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements, making them a satisfying treat. Whether enjoyed alone or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these bars are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
