Irresistible Strawberry Crumble Bars: A delicious twist on the classic crumble

These strawberry crumble bars offer a delicious variation on traditional fruit crumbles, with a strong, flavorful base that contains a juicy, tangy strawberry filling, topped with a crunchy, golden crumble. Perfect for those who love the combination of fresh fruit and a textured topping, these bars are a must-have. If strawberries aren't your favorite, this recipe easily adapts to other fruits like blueberries, making it versatile and appealing to all tastes.

Why you'll love it: If you are a fan of fruit desserts, these crumble bars will please you with their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The process is simple and fun, making it a great activity for an afternoon of baking. The result is a portable and neat dessert, easier to serve than traditional crumbles, ideal for picnics, lunch boxes or for a comforting treat at home.

Perfect occasion: Strawberry crumble bars are perfect for summer get-togethers, picnics, or a sweet end to a family dinner. They're also perfect for bake sales or as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors. Enjoy them whenever you want a burst of berries in a convenient bar form.

Decorating Tips: Serve these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a more decadent touch, drizzle a little vanilla frosting on top before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 3/4 cup strawberries, cut into quarters
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the crumble topping:

• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold vegan butter, cubed

Directions:

1. Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a small baking dish.
2. Prepare the crumble topping:
   • In a bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, salt and brown sugar.
   • Mix in the vegan butter with your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Put aside.
3. Prepare the filling:
   • In another bowl, mix the quartered strawberries with the sugar, cornstarch, flour and lemon juice. Mix well so that the fruit is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the bars:
   • Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a sturdy base. Bake for 5 minutes to set.
   • Remove from the oven and spread the strawberry filling evenly over the base. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over topping.

5. Cook:
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and serve:
   • Let the bars cool before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and makes them easier to serve.

Enjoy these delicious strawberry crumble bars, where each bite brings a perfect harmony of sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch!