Name: Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 375 g all-purpose flour; 300 g granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 large lemon; 115 g unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes; 3 large eggs, slightly beaten; 900 g fresh strawberries, washed and sliced; Juice of 1 large lemon; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 150 g granulated sugar

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Introduction to Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

Are you looking for a delightful treat that your family will adore? Enter the Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars. These bars combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a buttery, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth. Perfect for busy days, they’re both easy to make and deliciously satisfying. I love baking these bars on a Sunday afternoon to have a sweet snack throughout the week. If you need a last-minute dessert to impress guests or a simple way to brighten up a weekday meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

If you’re short on time yet crave a delicious homemade dessert, these Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars are your answer. They require minimal effort and deliver big on flavor. The buttery crust paired with juicy strawberries creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Plus, they make great snacks for the kids, or delightful treats to share with friends at book club. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting your Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars. Here’s what you will need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the crust. It provides structure and a soft, tender bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! It balances the tartness of the strawberries and adds to the crust’s buttery flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop without overpowering.
Lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed, it creates that flaky, crumbly texture we crave in a great dessert.
Eggs: They bind everything together, ensuring a cohesive and rich texture in the bars.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Use the ripest, juiciest strawberries for the best flavor.
Lemon juice: Brightens the fruit mixture and helps to enhance the strawberry’s natural sweetness.
Cornstarch: This is a secret weapon! It thickens the strawberry filling, giving it the perfect consistency.
Granulated sugar: Another sprinkle here to sweeten the filling and balance the acidity of the fruit.

Feel free to swap some ingredients based on your pantry. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. If strawberries aren’t in season, peaches or blueberries make a lovely alternative. And remember, you can find a full list of exact measurements at the bottom of this article for your printing convenience.

How to Make Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

Making Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars is a fun and rewarding experience! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to share. Let’s dive into the process!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first step is preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Preheating ensures even cooking, so your bars bake just right. While the oven warms up, you can prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal later on!

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and lemon zest. This will add a lovely flavor to your crust! Next, add in the very cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mix until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. This is where the magic happens! Then, mix in the slightly beaten eggs. You want a crumbly dough that can hold together but isn’t too sticky.

Step 3: Press the Dough

Once your dough is ready, take two-thirds of it and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. I often find it helpful to use my hands to spread it out, ensuring it covers every corner. This will form a solid base for your Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Time to make the star of the show! In a bowl, toss the sliced fresh strawberries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar. This delightful mixture will not only sweeten the strawberries but also thicken the juice as they bake. Stir until the strawberries are well-coated, and prepare to spread that juicy goodness on your crust!

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Spread your strawberry filling evenly over the crust using a rubber spatula. Now, take the remaining crumbly dough and sprinkle it over the strawberry layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some bits can be bigger than others. This adds to that homemade charm!

Step 6: Baking the Bars

Pop your assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for a lightly golden top, which is your cue that the bars are ready. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have your family flocking in!

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is where patience pays off! Once cool, gently lift the bars using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into desired portions and serve your Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars. Enjoy every sweet bite!

Tips for Success

Use very cold butter. This is key for achieving that flaky, crumbly texture!
Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting the bars cool completely helps them set nicely.
Try using parchment paper for easy clean-up and removal.
Experiment with different fruits! Blueberries or peaches can bring a fun twist to your bars.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Equipment Needed

Baking dish: A 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) dish works best, but any similar-sized pan will do.
Parchment paper: This helps with easy removal; if you don’t have it, greasing the dish is fine.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for mixing ingredients and a smaller one for the strawberry filling.
Pastry cutter or fork: You can use your fingers to incorporate the butter if you don’t have a pastry cutter.
Rubber spatula: Handy for spreading the filling and cleaning up any leftover batter.

Variations of Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

Fruit Swap: Change things up by using other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different burst of flavor.
Nutty Addition: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to the crumble for extra texture and richness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy!
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
Peanut Butter Swirl: For a delightful twist, mix in a layer of peanut butter to the strawberry filling for a delectable combination.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness perfectly!
Fresh Berries: Garnish with additional fresh strawberries for a visually stunning presentation.
Whipped Cream: Drizzle whipped cream on top for an added touch of indulgence.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A simple sprinkle can elevate the bars’ appearance and flavor.

FAQs about Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

If you’re thinking about making Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones I’ve encountered:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain them before mixing with the other ingredients. Frozen strawberries can still offer that lovely flavor.

How do I store leftover bars?

Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them!

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with a tablespoon of flour instead. It will work just fine for thickening the filling.

Are there any dietary alterations I can make?

Yes! For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. You can also use flax eggs for a vegan adaptation!

Final Thoughts

Baking Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars is more than just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about making memories. Picture the smiles on your family’s faces as they savor each sweet, fruity bite. It’s the perfect remedy for a busy week, transforming routine afternoons into something special. These bars not only fill your home with wonderful aromas but also make excellent treats for any gathering. Embrace the joy of sharing your culinary creation with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to dessert for years to come!