Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines fresh strawberries with a buttery crumb topping. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a snack at home. The sweet and tangy strawberry filling paired with the crumbly topping makes these bars irresistible. Plus, they are a great way to use fresh strawberries, especially when they are in season.
How to Make Strawberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the strawberry filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the strawberries.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Serve as an afternoon snack or at gatherings.
How to Serve Strawberry Crumb Bars
You can serve Strawberry Crumb Bars at room temperature. They are great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They also make a wonderful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Store Strawberry Crumb Bars
To keep your Strawberry Crumb Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Strawberry Crumb Bars
- Make sure to use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, use a bit more crumb mixture for the bottom layer.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get cleaner slices.
Variation
Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a mixed berry crumb bar. You can also substitute oatmeal for some of the flour for added texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
How can I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and flavor. Just mix them into the crumb mixture before sprinkling it on top.
Strawberry Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Crust and Topping Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure the butter is softened for better mixing.
- 1 cup sugar For the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- 1/4 cup sugar (for filling) Adjust based on sweetness of strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps to thicken the strawberry filling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Filling and Baking
- In another bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Pour the strawberry filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the strawberries.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.