Name: Delicious Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 375 g all-purpose flour; 300 g granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; Zest of 1 large lemon; 115 g unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes; 3 large eggs, slightly beaten; 900 g fresh strawberries, washed and sliced; Juice of 1 large lemon; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 150 g granulated sugar

Are you ready to indulge in a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of strawberries with the buttery goodness of a crumble? Introducing the Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars—a recipe that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These bars are not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. With a rich, crumbly topping and a luscious strawberry filling, they are sure to become a family favorite. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight dessert.

What’s even better about these Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars is their versatility. You can serve them warm, fresh out of the oven, or let them cool for a refreshing chilled dessert. Each bite offers a balance of textures, with the crisp topping complementing the tender fruit filling. These bars shine with fresh strawberries, making them the ideal choice for summer picnics or any occasion that beckons for a sweet treat. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that showcases the natural flavor of strawberries!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars

Deliciously Buttery: Each bar features a rich buttery flavor that simply melts in your mouth.
Fresh Strawberries: The use of fresh strawberries elevates the taste, adding a refreshing and fruity punch.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create these tasty treats.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just because, these bars are a hit!
Great Texture: The delightful contrast between the crumbly topping and the juicy filling makes each bite satisfying.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these delicious Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized to create a pleasant baking experience. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) so that it’s hot and ready for your bars once they are assembled.

You’ll need a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish lined with parchment paper, preferably with enough overhang to lift the bars out later. This makes it easier to remove them from the pan without breaking. Get yourself a large mixing bowl for combining the dry ingredients and a separate bowl for the strawberry filling. A pastry cutter or your fingertips will work wonders for mixing the cold butter into the dry ingredients, creating that perfect crumbly texture. If you have a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, you can use those to incorporate the eggs into the mixture seamlessly. Finally, don’t forget a rubber spatula for spreading the strawberry filling evenly—this tool is key to achieving that refined finish. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

375 g all-purpose flour
300 g granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 large lemon
115 g unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
900 g fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
150 g granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures that the bars will bake evenly once placed inside. While the oven is heating, take your 23×33 cm baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides. This will make removing the finished bars a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 300 g of sugar, salt, and the zest of one large lemon. This combination not only adds sweetness but also a refreshing citrus touch to the crust. Next, take the very cold unsalted butter, which should be cut into small cubes, and add it to the flour mixture.

Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles peas-sized crumbs. This step is crucial as it helps create that signature crumble texture. If the mixture feels too loose, don’t hesitate to press it together gently using your hands until it holds shape.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Once your mixture is crumbly, slowly mix in the slightly beaten eggs. You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon for this. The goal here is to ensure the dough remains crumbly yet cohesive, so avoid overmixing. Feel free to use your hands to press the mixture together, should it need extra help holding shape.

Step 4: Press the Dough into the Baking Dish

Now, take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s packed well to create a solid crust that will hold the filling without crumbling apart.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a separate bowl, take the fresh, washed, and sliced strawberries. Toss them gently with lemon juice, cornstarch, and 150 g of sugar until all the strawberries are evenly coated. This mixture will help thicken the juices from the strawberries as they bake, offering a sweet and gooey filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Bars

Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to distribute the filling as evenly as possible, ensuring each bar will have plenty of fruit in every bite.

Step 7: Crumble the Remaining Dough

With the remaining dough, crumble it over the top of the strawberry filling evenly. This will create a deliciously crisp topping when baked, contrasting beautifully with the juicy strawberries underneath.

Step 8: Bake the Bars

Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping has turned a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking. Once they are beautifully golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

After cooling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them onto a cutting board, slice them into desired portions, and get ready to serve these mouth-watering Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars!

Variations

Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the crust mixture for a protein boost.
Vegetables: Experiment by replacing some strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
Spices: Enhance flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the butter is very cold before incorporating it to achieve that flaky, crumbly texture.
For optimal flavor, use ripe and fresh strawberries; frozen strawberries can be used, but they may create a wetter filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
Pair with freshly whipped cream and some mint for an elegant presentation.

Tips

Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for a delectable flavor twist.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 300
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 150 mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be aware that they may create a slightly wetter filling, so you might want to adjust the cornstarch amount accordingly.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just cool completely before covering and storing in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a golden brown topping and set filling. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts browning too much, cover it loosely with foil.

Can I substitute butter with a different fat?

Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly, so keep that in mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Strawberry Crumble Buttery Bars are the perfect blend of sweetness and comfort. They are not only easy to prepare, but the versatility and flavor combinations available make them an excellent dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or just wanting a sweet snack, these bars will surely impress your guests and delight your family. Encourage your loved ones to comment and share their own variations of this delicious recipe. So grab those fresh strawberries and start baking today; you won’t regret it!