Irresistibly crumbly strawberry bars with a buttery crust and fresh strawberry filling

These Strawberry Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of a buttery, crumbly crust and a juicy, sweet and tangy strawberry filling. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the fresh strawberries to shine, creating a dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. With every bite, you'll enjoy the contrast between the soft, buttery crust and the vibrant, fruity center, making these bars a delicious treat for any occasion.

Why you'll love this recipe:
You’ll love these strawberry crumble bars because they strike a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. The slightly crunchy, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the soft, juicy strawberries, while the hint of vanilla adds a comforting sweetness. These bars are easy to make, require just a few ingredients, and are incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them as a dessert, a snack, or even with your morning coffee. Fresh strawberries give these bars a bright, summery flavor that’s hard to resist.

Perfect opportunity:
These strawberry bars are perfect for any occasion where you want to offer a simple yet delicious homemade treat. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks or as a sweet snack to share with friends and family. Their portable nature makes them ideal for lunch boxes or as a grab-and-go breakfast option. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or just looking for a quick dessert to make, these strawberry bars are sure to be a hit.

Decorating tips:
For a beautiful presentation, consider dusting the tops of the cooled bars with icing sugar. You can also drizzle a simple glaze of icing sugar and lemon juice over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness and shine. If you want to add a pop of color, garnish each bar with a small fresh strawberry or a few sprigs of mint. For a more decadent treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Ingredients:

For the crust and crumble:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the strawberry filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust and crumble:
   In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter to flour mixture. Using your hands, work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
2. Prepare the strawberry filling:
   In a separate bowl, combine chopped strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir ingredients until strawberries are evenly coated and mixture begins to thicken slightly.
3. Assemble the bars:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking tin or line it with baking parchment to make it easier to remove. Press half of the crumbly pastry mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared tin, forming the base layer. Spread the strawberry mixture over the base, making sure the strawberries are evenly distributed. Crumble the remaining batter over the top of the strawberry layer, leaving some of the fruit peeking through.
4. Cook:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. The bars should be fragrant and slightly firm to the touch.
5. Let cool and serve:
   Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut the bars into squares. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

Appreciate!

These Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delicious treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.