Homemade Strawberry Crumb Bars: The Ultimate Summer Berry Dessert Recipe
Indulge in the perfect summer treat with these irresistible Strawberry Crumb Bars – featuring a rich, buttery shortbread crust, a luscious fresh strawberry filling, and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. They are an absolute must-make when fresh summer berries are in season!
There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer, and these homemade Strawberry Crumb Bars capture it perfectly. While you might know them by various names like streusel bars, oatmeal bars, or even strawberry crumble bars, in our kitchen, they’re simply “strawberry crumb bars”—and they’re a cherished tradition. No matter what you call them, these delightful dessert bars are a culinary highlight, especially when you can get your hands on the sweetest, juiciest fresh strawberries of the season.
These bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of seasonal bounty and simple baking pleasures. Imagine a golden, tender shortbread base that melts in your mouth, generously layered with bright, sweet-tart strawberry goodness, all crowned with a golden, crisp, and irresistible crumb topping. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched summer afternoon.
This beloved recipe first graced our blog in the summer of 2011, shortly after I embarked on my blogging journey. From that moment on, it has become an annual staple, eagerly anticipated and repeatedly made every summer since. The magic lies in the freshness of the strawberries, which truly make this dessert shine, transforming it from a simple bake into an extraordinary experience.
The foundation of these exquisite strawberry crumble bars is an almost shortbread-like crust. It’s incredibly buttery and tender, providing the perfect counterpoint to the vibrant strawberry filling. This crust isn’t just a base; it’s an integral part of the overall flavor profile, blending seamlessly with the fruit to create a truly melt-in-your-mouth sensation. If you’re planning a trip to a local strawberry patch, be sure to pick a few extra baskets. Trust us, you absolutely do not want to miss out on making these phenomenal bars!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Crumb Bars
Crafting these delectable strawberry crumb bars requires a handful of common pantry staples, plus, of course, the star ingredient: fresh strawberries. While the full measurements are detailed in the recipe card below, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the backbone of both our buttery crust and the delightful crumb topping. Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender, yet sturdy base that can hold up to the juicy fruit filling. It provides the structure that allows these bars to be easily sliced and enjoyed.
- Granulated Sugar: Providing essential sweetness, granulated sugar contributes to the golden-brown crispness of the crust and balances the tartness of the strawberries. It also plays a role in the caramelization during baking, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial in baking. It doesn’t just make things taste salty; it enhances all the other flavors, making the sweetness brighter and the fruit more vibrant. Don’t skip it, as it truly balances the profile.
- Butter: For the best shortbread-like crust and a rich crumb topping, unsalted butter is key. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your recipe, ensuring a consistent and delicious outcome every time. Make sure it’s cold and cut into pieces for the crust to achieve that desired crumbly, tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: The addition of light brown sugar to the crumb topping lends a subtle molasses flavor and a chewier, more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with the oats. It also helps the topping clump together nicely.
- Quick Cooking Oats: These oats are essential for our crumb topping, giving it a delightful texture without being too chewy or dense. While old-fashioned oats can be substituted, quick-cooking oats provide a finer, softer crumb that we prefer for these bars, creating a more cohesive streusel.
- Strawberry Jam or Jelly: This ingredient boosts the strawberry flavor significantly and helps create a perfectly saucy, cohesive filling that binds the fresh berries together. If you have homemade strawberry jelly or jam on hand, this is an excellent opportunity to put it to delicious use!
- Strawberries: The star of the show! While you can make this recipe with frozen berries, using fresh, ripe strawberries is highly recommended for the absolute best flavor and texture. Their natural sweetness, vibrant acidity, and firm texture are unparalleled for this recipe.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is a secret weapon in many fruit desserts. It brightens the flavor of the strawberries, prevents the filling from being overly sweet, and adds a subtle tang that elevates the entire bar, making the fruit taste even “fruitier.”
Choosing the Best Strawberries for Your Crumb Bars
The success of these strawberry crumb bars heavily relies on the quality of your strawberries. Selecting the right berries ensures a burst of fresh flavor and the perfect texture in every bite. Here’s what you need to know about choosing and preparing your strawberries:
Fresh Strawberries: The Ideal Choice
For truly exceptional strawberry crumb bars, fresh strawberries are your best bet. If you can source them from a local farmers market or, even better, pick them yourself, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled flavor that grocery store berries often can’t match. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant, with green caps intact. Avoid any that are mushy, bruised, or have white spots, as these indicate they aren’t fully ripe or are past their prime. When preparing fresh berries, remember to hull them (remove the green leafy top and white core) and chop them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution in the filling. This also helps release their juices evenly during baking.
Using Frozen Strawberries: A Practical Alternative
While fresh is ideal, this recipe can certainly work with frozen strawberries, making it a dessert you can enjoy year-round. However, there’s a crucial step: you must thaw the berries first and thoroughly drain away any excess liquid before incorporating them into the filling. Frozen berries tend to release a lot of water as they thaw, and if not drained, this extra moisture can make your filling watery and prevent the bars from setting properly, resulting in a soggy texture. To thaw, simply spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Pat them dry with additional paper towels before chopping and mixing with the jam and lemon juice.
Exploring Berry Varieties and Combinations
Don’t limit yourself! While strawberry is the classic, you can absolutely get creative with other berries or even a mix. If you have a passion for raspberries, feel free to substitute them along with raspberry jam, much like in these delicious Raspberry Crumble Bars. A medley of different berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—can create a wonderfully complex and visually appealing dessert. When mixing berries, consider their sweetness and tartness, and adjust the jam or a tiny bit of sugar if needed. The key is to match the jam/jelly to your chosen berry for a cohesive flavor profile. Trust me, no matter your berry choice, the result will be absolutely delicious!
How To Bake Irresistible Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful strawberry crumb bars is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow along to create a perfect batch of these summery treats:
- Prepare the Buttery Crust: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spraying a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. For the crust, I highly recommend using a stand mixer; it makes combining the ingredients much easier and more efficient. In the mixer bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. With the mixer on a low speed, gradually add the cold, cubed unsalted butter, one piece at a time. Continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse, damp sand. This process ensures the butter is evenly distributed without overworking the dough, which is essential for a tender shortbread-like texture. Reserve about 1 1/4 cups of this mixture for your crumb topping later. Press the remaining flour mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s compacted for a solid base.
- Partially Bake the Crust: Place the pressed crust into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a very light golden brown. It’s important not to overbake at this stage, as the crust will continue to cook when the full bars are baked later. A slight golden hue is all you need to set its structure and develop a subtle flavor.
- Craft the Crumb Topping: While the crust is baking, prepare your delicious crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine the reserved flour mixture (from step 1) with the light brown sugar and quick-cooking oats. Using your fingertips, work in the additional 2 tablespoons of cold butter until the mixture forms small, delightful clumps. The warmth of your hands will help incorporate the butter just enough to create that perfect crumbly texture that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Combine the Luscious Berry Filling: In a separate bowl, gently mix together the strawberry jam (or jelly), your freshly chopped strawberries, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Use a fork or a potato masher to lightly mash some of the berries, but be sure to leave plenty of glorious chunks for texture and a burst of fresh fruit flavor in every bite. The lemon juice is key here; it brightens the sweetness of the berries and prevents the filling from tasting flat, adding a necessary zing.
- Assemble the Layers: Once the crust is partially baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Evenly spread the combined strawberry mixture over the warm crust. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the semi-baked base, ensuring an even layer of fruit. Then, generously sprinkle your prepared crumb topping over the strawberry layer, ensuring a nice, even covering that promises a golden, crunchy top with every bite.
- Final Bake and Cool: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the bars are ready when the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges, and the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown. The crust underneath should also be fully cooked and golden. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and, here’s the crucial part: let the bars cool *completely* to room temperature before attempting to slice them. Cooling allows the filling to set properly and the bars to firm up, ensuring clean, perfect slices that won’t fall apart. This step requires patience, but it’s well worth it!
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Strawberry Crumb Bars
Achieving bakery-quality strawberry crumb bars at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips and tricks:
- Prioritize Fresh Strawberries: While frozen berries are an option, fresh, ripe strawberries truly make all the difference in this recipe. They offer a superior sweetness, texture, and vibrant flavor that frozen berries, even when properly thawed and drained, simply can’t quite replicate. If possible, opt for locally sourced, in-season berries for the best results and an unforgettable summer taste.
- Cold Butter for the Crust: When making the shortbread-like crust, ensure your butter is very cold and cut into small cubes. This is critical for achieving a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t become tough. Cold butter doesn’t fully incorporate into the flour until it melts in the oven, creating pockets of steam that result in that desired crumbly texture. An electric mixer is excellent for bringing the crust together quickly without warming the butter too much.
- Quick Cooking Oats for Crumb Topping: The recipe specifically calls for quick-cooking oats for the streusel topping. These oats provide a softer, more delicate texture that blends beautifully with the other crumb ingredients, creating a delightful crunch without being too dense. While old-fashioned oats will work in a pinch, they can result in a chewier, slightly denser topping. Stick with quick-cooking for that ideal, tender crumb.
- The Art of Cooling: This is arguably the most important tip! Patience is a virtue when it comes to cutting these bars. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. Warm bars will be soft and prone to falling apart, making messy slices, whereas fully cooled bars will hold their shape beautifully, resulting in clean, perfect squares. For an even firmer set, especially in warm weather, you can chill them in the refrigerator for an hour after they reach room temperature.
- Storage Solutions: Once cooled and sliced, store your strawberry crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, though the crust might soften slightly. If you plan to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars are heavenly on their own, a perfect portable treat. But if you want to elevate the experience, try serving them slightly warm (a quick zap in the microwave will do!) with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of a homemade fruit sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
- Customization Options: Feel free to experiment! A sprinkle of lemon zest in the crust or filling can enhance the citrus notes even further. A touch of ground cinnamon or cardamom in the crumb topping can add a warm spice dimension that complements the strawberries. You can also mix in other berries with your strawberries for a vibrant mixed berry crumb bar, adjusting the jam flavor accordingly.
Explore More Delicious Strawberry Dessert Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet versatility of strawberries, you’re in luck! There are countless ways to enjoy this vibrant fruit, from quick breads to indulgent cheesecakes. Here are some more fantastic strawberry dessert recipes from our collection that you might want to try next:
- Strawberry Brownies: A delightful twist on a classic, infusing rich, fudgy brownies with bright, fruity strawberry flavor for a surprising and delicious treat.
- Strawberry Bread: A wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread, studded with fresh strawberries, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
- Strawberry Milkshakes: A creamy, refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days, blending fresh strawberries with ice cream for pure bliss.
- Strawberry Poke Cake: An incredibly moist cake soaked in strawberry goodness and topped with creamy frosting, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna: Layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a delicious crust come together in this indulgent, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for entertaining.
Strawberry Crumb Bars
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Ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Butter – cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- + 2 Tbls butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oats
- 1 cup strawberry jelly or jam
- 1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 13×9 in pan with non stick spray.
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In electric mixer stir together flour, sugar and salt.2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
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With the mixer on a low speed add the 1 cup of butter, 1 piece at a time. Continue mixing until combined, it takes about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. It will be the consistency of damp sand. Set aside 1 1/4 cup of this mixture to use in step 4. .1 cup Butter – cut into 1/2 inch pieces
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Press the remaining flour mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake at 375º F for 14 minutes. The edges will be slightly browned.
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Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, oats, and the reserved flour mixture. With your fingers, work in the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter, until it is in small clumps.1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oats, + 2 Tbls butter
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Combine the jelly, chopped strawberries and the lemon juice in a small bowl. Mash with a fork to combine. Be sure to leave some chunks of berries in there.1 cup strawberry jelly or jam, 1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Spread filling evenly over the hot crust. Sprinkle with the streusel topping over the strawberries.
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Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The crust will be brown, and the filling will be bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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