Strawberry Crumble Bars

The first time I baked these Strawberry Crumble Bars, my kitchen smelled amazing.
Sweet berries, buttery crumbs, and a warm golden crust—it was pure joy.
They’re soft, fruity, and just the right amount of crumbly.

I love how simple they are to make.
You mix, layer, and bake—and suddenly, you have something that tastes like summer.
They’re perfect for sharing or sneaking a piece warm from the pan.

If you love strawberries and buttery desserts, this is the one.
Let’s make these Strawberry Crumble Bars—they’re cozy, sweet, and always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile and Delicious: Whether you serve them as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Fruity and Fresh: With three cups of fresh chopped strawberries in the filling, the bars have a delightful burst of fruitiness in every bite.
• Crispy, Buttery Crumble: The golden, buttery crumble topping is the perfect contrast to the soft strawberry filling, creating a balanced texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common kitchen staples, these bars don’t require any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake these bars in advance and store them for up to a week. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of a busy week or special occasion.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, you’ll need a few basic tools to prepare these Strawberry Crumble Bars. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: To combine dry ingredients and make the crumble.
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: For baking the bars.
• Pastry Cutter (or Fork): To cut the butter into the flour for the crumble topping.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping the strawberries and cutting the bars after baking.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking dish, making it easy to remove the bars once baked.

Ingredients

Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create these heavenly strawberry crumble bars. They are simple yet come together to form a sweet, tangy, and comforting dessert!

For the Crumble and Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the main ingredient for the crust and crumble topping. It provides the structure and texture for these bars.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps to give the crust and topping a slight lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness of the bars.
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter helps create a flaky and tender texture in the crumble topping and crust.
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and subtle caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg – This acts as a binding agent, helping the dough hold together.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the base and crumble.

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 3 cups chopped strawberries – Fresh strawberries provide that vibrant, tangy flavor that complements the sweet crumble topping.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling, and helps release the natural juices from the strawberries.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the strawberry mixture, creating a smooth and firm filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base and Crumble

Make the Dry Mixture:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Cut the Butter into the Flour:
Next, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or a fork. The goal is to create a crumbly, coarse texture. You want the butter to be in small pea-sized pieces scattered throughout the flour mixture. This is key for the buttery, crumbly texture that will form both the base and the topping.

Add Sugar and Egg:
Once the butter is incorporated, add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until a dough starts to form. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.

Press the Dough into the Baking Dish:
Take about 2/3 of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the base of your bars. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling

Prepare the Strawberries:
Now it’s time for the star ingredient: the fresh strawberries! Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries into small pieces. You want them to be small enough to cook down into a thick filling but large enough to maintain their shape and texture.

Cook the Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will release their juices, and the mixture will begin to thicken. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes a jam-like consistency. Once it thickens, remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Bars

Add the Strawberry Filling:
Spread the thickened strawberry filling evenly over the base of the bars. Make sure the filling is distributed in an even layer so every bite has a little bit of that delicious, fruity goodness.

Top with the Crumble:
Crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just sprinkle it generously to cover the filling. Some parts of the strawberry mixture will peek through, and that’s perfectly fine.

4. Bake the Bars

Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up from underneath. You’ll know the bars are ready when the edges are slightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the crumble topping comes out clean.

Cool the Bars:
Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 20-30 minutes. If you try to cut them too soon, the filling will still be too gooey and runny. Once they’ve cooled slightly, carefully lift them out of the dish using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Crumble Bars

These Strawberry Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be dressed up with a few extra touches. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a richer, creamier dessert.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve with extra fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to enhance the fruity flavor.
• As Breakfast: These bars are sweet enough for dessert but mild enough for breakfast. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying start to your day.

Storing Strawberry Crumble Bars

• Room Temperature: Once the bars have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them cold.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just cut them into squares, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Sugar	Fiber	Sodium
310	14g	44g	3g	26g	2g	120mg

Conclusion

Strawberry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crumble topping that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and versatile serving options, this recipe is a must-try!

Strawberry Crumble Bars FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using, as they can release more moisture than fresh strawberries.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the baking powder.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also insert a toothpick into the crumble topping—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.