Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet strawberry flavors.
Buttery crumb crust and topping add a delightful crunch.
Easy to prepare and ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
Versatile dessert that works well for picnics, potlucks, or afternoon treats.
Can be made ahead and stored for convenient snacking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust and Crumb Topping

1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

2 large eggs
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (150g) chopped strawberries

Directions

Make the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Serve:
- Cut into bars and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes (including crust and filling baking)
Cooling Time: At least 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours

Variations

Substitute fresh strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving for extra sweetness.
Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the crumb topping for added texture.
Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh longer.
These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
No reheating is necessary, but they can be warmed slightly in the microwave if preferred.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to the filling.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should be firm to the touch and not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or in two separate pans.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely, they can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to one month.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from burning?

Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of baking; if browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.

Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?

Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work well as alternatives.

What pan size is best for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is recommended for even baking and proper thickness.

Conclusion

Lemon Strawberry Crumb Bars combine tangy citrus and juicy berries with a buttery, crumbly crust for a refreshing and satisfying dessert. Easy to prepare and full of bright flavors, these bars make a wonderful treat for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive celebrations. Their make-ahead convenience and delicious taste ensure they’ll quickly become a favorite.