Strawberry crumb bars made with an easy crumb crust, strawberry sauce filling and buttery crumb topping. The perfect summer dessert made with fresh, juicy strawberries!
Love strawberry dessert recipes? Other favorites include strawberry cream pie, this strawberry cookies recipe and strawberry ice cream!
Table of Contents
Layered Strawberry Crumble Bars
These strawberry bars are so easy to make and bursting with strawberry flavor. The crumb topping reminds me of something you’d put on top of peach cobbler, but a little more thick. More like a shortbread, than a crumble once baked.
Growing up, we went to San Diego every other year as kids. One of our favorite activities in Carlsbad (besides going to the beach) was going strawberry picking. The strawberries were better than any I had ever tasted. We’d get a big bucket and bring it to the beach for snacking on.
I just found a place not far from us that let’s you come pick strawberries, so last weekend we went strawberry picking as a family. The kids had such a great time. My two year old had a hard time with the concept, as she wanted to eat every one she picked. When we got home, we made a big batch of homemade strawberry jam and then the next day we made these strawberry crumb bars. I’m thinking strawberry pie needs to be next. ;) Give me ALL the summer berry recipes!
How to Make Strawberry Crumble Bars
CRUST. Whisk together the flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold butter until it is the size of peas. Then add the egg and vanilla and stir until the dough is crumbly. Press half of the crust mixture into a parchment lined 8×8″ pan and pat until firm.
FILLING. In a small bowl, mix together the strawberries, sugar and cornstarch. Next add the fruit mixture on top of the crumb crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crust crumbs over the strawberry layer.
BAKE. Bake at 375°F for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top layer is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Then slice into 9 large or 18 small bars.
Tips For the Best Results
Use fresh strawberries: This recipe is the perfect way to use up those fresh strawberries! The taste of fresh picked strawberries seriously cannot be beat. They really enhance the flavor and make these bars to die for. I highly recommend using fresh strawberries when possible.
Use cold butter: Similar to when you make biscuits, the butter that’s used for the crumb crust must be cold. I like to freeze mine for about 30 minutes prior to using. The cold butter helps to give the crust that crisp, flaky texture.
Line pan with parchment: I like to bake my strawberry crumb bars in an 8×8″ pan that’s been lined with parchment paper. This way I can easily take out the bars once they’re cooled. It makes clean up much easier and ensures they don’t stick to the pan.
Cool completely before slicing. Although you’re definitely going to want to sneak a bite, make sure to let the dessert cool completely before slicing. If you slice them while still warm, they’ll be crumbly and won’t hold their shape. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Toppings for Serving
As if these strawberry bars could get any more delicious, try topping them with the following when serving:
You can even drizzle a simple powdered sugar icing on top of the bars to add an extra hint of sweetness. Simply stir together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 Tablespoons of milk and then drizzle the mixture over the crumb topping.
More strawberry recipes we can’t get enough of include this strawberry rhubarb jam recipe, strawberry shortcake and strawberry sauce!
More Summer Desserts
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Strawberry Crumb Bars Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup cold salted butter , cubed
- 1 egg , whisked
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ – 2 cups strawberries , chopped
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter, until the butter is the size of peas. Stir in the egg and vanilla, until the dough is crumbly. Place half the mixture into the pan and pat until firm.
- Combine the strawberries, sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Layer on top of the crumb mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining crumbs over top the strawberries.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Cool completely, then slice into 9 or 18 bars.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Adapted from Flavor Mosaic
Categorized as: American, Bars, Desserts, Fruit Desserts
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I cruise through my neighborhood, giving back to the locals who work in my area by sharing what I bake. I doubled this recipe, and it was delicious and well received in a 9×13” pan. One of the easiest recipes I’ve made, time and again. Thank you!!!
Can I sub blueberries, cherries, or peaches?
Wish I could include the picture!!!
That is so sweet of you to share with those you live by! I am sure they appreciate all you do and make for everyone. For these crumb bars other flavors will work great! Thanks for making one of my recipes!
I made this recipe super fast and it baked whole we were enjoying dinner! Great way to use up strawberries and a fast dessert (or even breakfast) option.
Glad you enjoyed it :) Thanks for your comment and review, Sarah!
This recipe was delicious! I use whip cream as my topping. Is there a way to determine what the cook time is if you double the recipe? I needed a larger portion for an event.
So glad! For doubling in a 9×13″ they will be slightly thicker. You could always divide between to 8×8 pans as well. I would add an extra 5 to 10 minutes and just watch carefully.
Can this be made with Splenda?
I haven’t tried subbing that before, but I think it should be fine! :)
This is so easy to make a super yummy! Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and you will be in love.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Ice cream and a strawberry glaze on top is my favorite! :)
These were fantastic! The fresh strawberries really made these bars extra tasty!
the perfect spring treat! These are delicious!
I LOVE strawberries! This is to become one of my favorites. I can’t wait to make this!
These strawberry bars are the BEST! The fresh strawberry flavor and crumb topping are to die for!
Yummy! Sounds easy to make. Going to make these for the family. I love strawberries!
Who Let the Mum Out?
Hope you enjoy! We picked a ton of strawberries at a strawberry patch so these were perfect to use some up! :)
This really looks tasty. My son would really love to eat this. Thanks for sharing Jamielyn.
Thank you Lara! They were a big hit with my kids! :)
These sound so good! I am all about the fresh strawberries in summer. Wish we had a place nearby where I could go pick!
One of my favorite traditions growing up was picking strawberries on our family vacation in California! I have loved having a strawberry field nearby my home these past couple of years!
Oh Yum! Is there really anything you can’t do! This is divine!
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You’re so sweet, thank you! I need to make a batch of these soon!