Fresh Strawberry Crumble Bars
These Fresh Strawberry Crumble Bars feature a buttery crust, juicy strawberry filling, and golden crumble topping. Easy, homemade dessert you can enjoy year round.
My husband has always had a serious love for crumble recipes - especially the ones with extra crumble on top. If there's a fruit crumble on the table, he's going back for seconds (mostly for that buttery topping).
So I decided to turn his favorite treat into something a little more convenient: Fresh Strawberry Crumble Bars.
Unlike a traditional crumble that only has a topping, these bars sandwich the fresh strawberry filling between a buttery crust and a generous crumb layer on top. And instead of scooping it into a bowl, you can slice them into neat bars. No fork or spoon needed, and no messy serving.
They're easy to share at parties, perfect for picnics, and simple to grab straight from the fridge when you want a sweet treat.
Ingredients You Need
- All-purpose flour and quick oats for the crust and crumble layer.
- Brown sugar offers a richer flavor.
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Cinnamon or Cardamom adds subtle warmth to the bars.
- Egg helps bind the crust.
- Butter for that rich buttery flavor.
- Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best taste and texture.
- Lemon juice will help balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract is optional but adds some warmth.
- Granulated sugar to sweeten the berries.
- Cornstarch will help thicken the juice in the berries and create more of a jam consistency.
Highlighted Tip
Discard the strawberry juice: After mixing the strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, use a slotted spoon to transfer the berries to the crust and leave the excess juice behind. Too much liquid can make the bars soggy and prevent clean slices.
Step By Step How To Make Strawberry Crumble Bars
These steps are basic. See the printable recipe card below for exact instructions.
- Step One: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray and place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan, making sure to leave a little overhand on each side.
- Step Two: Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a mixing bowl, then add melted butter and egg.
- Step Three: Combine the wet and dry ingredients until you have a slightly crumbly dough, then press half of it in your prepared baking dish.
- Step Four: In a bowl toss together the strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla. In a separate bowl combine sugar and cornstarch, then toss with the berries.
- Step Five: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the berries to the crust in the baking dish (making sure to leave behind any liquid) and crumble the remaining dough over the berries.
- Step Six: Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Top should be golden and berries bubbling around the edges. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Ang's Tips For The Perfect Bars
- Let Them Cool Completely- If you slice too early, they'll fall apart. For clean cuts, chill them for 1-2 hours after cooling.
- Use Parchment Paper- Line your pan with parchment and leave overhang so you can lift the bars out easily.
- Don't Skip the Cornstarch- It thickens the strawberry layer and prevents soggy bars.
- Dice Strawberries Evenly- Smaller pieces create a more cohesive filling that slices beautifully.
- Discard the extra berry juices- The extra liquid can make the crust on the bottom soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either your strawberries were extra juicy, you didn't use enough corn starch, or your bars were not fully cooled.
The short answer is yes, however, fresh strawberries are best and lend the best texture. If you decide on frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them first. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Yes! Bake in a 9x13-inch pan and increase baking time slightly.
Yes - swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.
Serving Ideas
These bars are delicious on their own but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream add a nice touch.
Try These Fruit Inspired Treats Next!
- Brown Butter Fresh Peach Dump Cake
- Slow Cooker Summer Berry Cobbler
- Strawberry Cheese Cake Dip
- Blueberry Buckle (with fresh or frozen blueberries)
- Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bark
Fresh Strawberry Crumble Bars
Equipment
- 8 x 8 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- 2 medium mixing bowls
Ingredients
Crust/Crumble
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick or rolled oats
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom
- 8 tablespoon butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced small
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment paper making sure to leave a little over-hang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon or cardamon. Make sure to break up any brown sugar clumps.
- Add melted butter and lightly beaten egg. Combine until a soft, loose dough forms.
- Add half of the dough mixture to the bottom of your prepared baking dish and press down firmly, creating a single layer.
- Next, toss strawberries with lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar and corn starch. This will ensure it distributes evenly and doesn't clump with the berries. Add to the strawberries and toss well. You'll start to see extra juice at the bottom of the bowl.
- Use a slotted spoon to spread the strawberries over the crust, leaving behind the extra juice from the berries.
- Add the remaining crust over the berries, crumbling the dough like you would a traditional crumble dessert.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Allow the crumble to cool completely - this can take 1-2 hours. Use the extra parchment paper on the ends to help lift out of the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Love Making Bars?
I love making bars for easy, healthy snacks, and sharing a mess free dessert at a party. For healthier bars, try my Viral Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, or these rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Pistachio Bars. My No-Bake Protein Bars are also great to make ahead and keep in the fridge for an easy, healthy snack.
If you're looking for a decadent treat to share, Oatmeal Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars and my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are always a hit.
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