Buttery, Jammy, Irresistibly Crumbly 🍓✨
These Strawberry Crumb Bars are the perfect sweet treat when you’re craving something fruity, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. With a soft, golden crust, a thick layer of juicy strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping baked to perfection, they’re a Pinterest-worthy dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks. Ideal for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or a simple weekend bake, these bars come together with pantry staples and minimal prep time. If you love easy strawberry desserts or make-ahead treats, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 bars
📝 Ingredients List
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, but recommended)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2️⃣ Make the Crumb Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3️⃣ Add Egg & Vanilla
Stir in egg and vanilla until crumbly dough forms. It should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
4️⃣ Form the Base
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
5️⃣ Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, toss diced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest. The mixture should look glossy and lightly thickened.
6️⃣ Assemble
Spread strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the top without pressing down 🍓
7️⃣ Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is lightly golden and filling is bubbly around the edges.
8️⃣ Cool Completely
Let bars cool fully before slicing — this helps the filling set properly. For clean cuts, chill for 30 minutes before slicing 😊
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra crisp topping: Add ¼ cup rolled oats to the crumb mixture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Cleaner slices: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
🌸 Variations
- Mixed Berry Bars: Swap half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries.
- Strawberry Almond: Add ¼ tsp almond extract to the filling.
- Glazed Version: Drizzle with simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling.
- Healthier Twist: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid first to prevent soggy bars.
Why are my bars runny?
They likely need more cooling time. The filling thickens as it cools.
Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely — bake in an 8×8-inch pan and reduce baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Do these travel well?
Yes! They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, and lunchbox treats.