Indulge in Strawberry Crumble Bars!
It’s that time of year again when the sweet, intoxicating aroma of strawberries fills the air, signaling the perfect moment to whip up some delightful Strawberry Crumble Bars. I’m so grateful to share this recipe with you! These bars bring a burst of summer flavors into your home, making them perfect for a dessert or sweet snack on a sunny day. Imagine biting into a warm bar with a crumbly topping that gives way to a luscious strawberry filling—pure bliss!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is an absolute gem! First off, who doesn’t love strawberries? They are vibrant, juicy, and a wonderful source of vitamins. The flavor combination of sweet, tangy strawberries tucked beneath a buttery crumble is just irresistible. What’s more, this recipe is super easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice. Plus, it’s family-friendly, so why not gather the kids for some baking fun? They’ll love squishing the strawberries!
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Filling:
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, diced
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
For the Crust and Topping:
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Necessary Tools
– 8×8 inch baking dish
– Mixing bowls
– Pastry cutter or fork
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to get creative! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can easily swap them for blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. For added flavor, consider tossing in a bit of lemon zest with the strawberries. And if you want to enhance the crumble topping, try adding some oats or nuts for a bit of crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal. Spray the lining with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup sugar, 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Take half of the crumble mixture and pack it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Reserve the remaining crumbs for the topping.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, ⅓ cup sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until the strawberries are evenly coated.
6. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the packed crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top of the strawberries.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Allow the bars to cool entirely in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but why not elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream? Serve them warm for that extra delightful factor—your family and friends will rave about it!
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure your butter is cold for that perfectly crumbly topping.
– Don’t skip the cornstarch in the filling—it helps thicken and stabilize the strawberry mixture as it bakes!
– Allow the bars to cool completely to ensure clean cuts.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQ Section
– Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using.
– Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, these Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delightful way to celebrate the sweetness of strawberries during the warmer months. They’re easy to make, taste incredible, and are sure to impress your loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! If you do, please share your photos and tag me on Instagram or Pinterest. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 bar):
– Calories: 180
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 30mg
– Sodium: 90mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 26g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crumble Bars!
