Strawberry Crumble Bars ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

These Strawberry Crumble Bars are the ultimate summer treat! They are sweet, and fruity, and have a delicious crumbly topping. The buttery shortbread crust and sweet strawberry filling complement each other perfectly. These bars are delicious served by themselves, with some homemade whipped cream, or strawberry ice cream!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

These strawberry crumble bars are quick and easy to make.
The crust is buttery and delicious.
In addition, the strawberry filling is sweet, a little tart, and so fresh.
Lastly, the crumble topping adds a subtle crunch.
Learn all about the many types of berries.
Enjoy these bars at picnics, brunches, or whenever you need a yummy treat.
Add your favorite fruits or toppings to change it up!
Kids and adults love these bars.
If needed, use gluten free flour to make gluten free strawberry crumble bars.
Check out this Strawberry Jam for another strawberry recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutes for these strawberry crumble bars. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.

For the shortbread crust, use whole wheat flour or gluten free flour. Both work well.

Melted unsalted butter adds the delicious buttery flavor.

A little baking powder helps the crust rise slightly.

Pure maple syrup adds the sweetness. Use honey if needed.

Vanilla extract adds a homemade flavor.

For the filling, use fresh berries. We love using a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Tapioca flour helps thicken the filling. Use arrowroot starch if needed.

Lemon juice and lemon zest add a bright and fresh flavor.

Maple syrup adds natural sweetness.

Ingredients for strawberry crumble bars.

Taste & Texture

The Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delicious mix of tastes and textures.

The strawberries become soft and jam-like, creating a sweet and slightly tart center.

This is balanced by the crumble topping and base which are golden, buttery, and have a satisfying crunch.

It's like enjoying a jammy fruit dessert and a crumbly cookie at the same time!

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

First make the shortbread crust. Combine all crust ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until a cookie dough texture forms.

Step 3

Press ¾ of this mixture into an even layer in the lined pan. Reserve the remaining ¼ for the topping. Use a fork to poke holes in the crust.

Step 4

Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven.

Step 5

In a clean bowl, combine all of the filling ingredients. For a smoother texture, mash the berries. Stir until combined.

Step 6

Transfer this fruit mixture into the pan. Smooth into an even layer.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining crust on top of the fruit.

Step 8

Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Step 9

Remove from the oven. Cool for 1 hour in the pan then carefully transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 10

Finally, once fully cooled, slice into bars and enjoy these strawberry crumble bars!

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best strawberry crumble bars.

Pre-bake the crust. This allows the crust to hold up to the gooey filling.

Use fresh strawberries instead of frozen berries.

For added flavor, use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Bake until the edges are a little bubbly and the crumble topping is lightly golden.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Try these flavor variations and add ins for these strawberry crumble bars.

Use another berry! Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries all work well.

Sliced peaches work well too!

For the ultimate dessert, add in some dark chocolate chips.

How to Serve & Store

To serve, cut the strawberry crumble bars into squares and enjoy them as is, or warm them up and pair with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time and store them?

Absolutely! Make them ahead, and you can keep them in a tight container on your kitchen counter for a few days or in your fridge for about a week. They can also be frozen for a few months—just let them thaw before you eat them.

Are Strawberry Crumble Bars okay for people who can't eat gluten?

They can be! Use a gluten-free flour instead of regular flour to make them gluten-free. Check your other ingredients to make sure they don't have gluten, too.

Is there a way to make the bars less sweet?

Sure, you can cut down the maple syrup in the recipe if you want them less sweet. The strawberries bring a lot of natural sweetness too.

Can I use other types of fruit for the crumble bars?

Of course! Feel free to try other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of your favorites. Just prepare them the same way you would the strawberries.

Equipment Needed

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Parchment paper is helpful to prevent sticking.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: I use these mixing bowls every time I make these strawberry crumble bars.

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