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Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars

This dessert features a buttery crust topped with fresh strawberries and lemon zest, baked with a crumbly streusel topping. The final bars have a tender, crumbly texture with juicy fruit filling and a lightly crispy topping, cut into squares for serving.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • Unsalted Butter 1 cup / 225 grams, cold and cubed: Creates rich, buttery crumb layers
  • Granulated Sugar ¼ cup: Sweetens the filling and helps draw out strawberry juices for a jam-like consistency
  • All-Purpose Flour 2½ cups / 315 grams: Provides proper structure and prevents thin or fragile bars
  • Salt ½ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
  • Fresh Strawberries 3 cups, sliced: Provide a juicy, jammy filling layer with proper thickness and balanced fruit flavor
  • Lemon Zest 1 tablespoon, from 1 lemon: Adds bright citrus aroma and flavor
  • Fresh Lemon Juice 2 tablespoons: Enhances strawberry flavor and adds balance

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls: For preparing crumb mixture and filling
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Ensures even baking
  • Pastry Cutter or Fork: Helps create crumb texture
  • Spatula: Spreads filling evenly
  • Cooling Rack: Helps bars set properly
  • Knife: For clean slicing

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
  2. Make Crumb Mixture: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl
  3. Add Butter: Cut cold butter into mixture until crumbly
  4. Form Crust: Press two-thirds of mixture firmly into baking pan
  5. Bake Crust: Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden
  6. Prepare Filling: Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until evenly coated
  7. Let Filling Rest: Allow strawberries to release juices for 10 minutes
  8. Add Filling: Spread strawberry mixture evenly over warm crust
  9. Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly on top
  10. Bake Again: Bake for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbling
  11. Cool Completely: Let bars cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing so filling fully sets
  12. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy