Strawberry Crumb Bars
Try this Strawberry Crumb Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Strawberry Crumb Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups chopped strawberries cored (measure 2 cups after chopping the strawberries, you'll likely need 1 to 1.5 lbs)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest (optional)
- 1/3 uppacked brown sugar light or dark (i used light)
- Carbohydrate 21.3211246081313 g
- Cholesterol 50.7004687869356 mg
- Fat 19.4053966028094 g
- Fiber 0.831672927997796 g
- Protein 3.08929560248366 g
- Saturated Fat 12.0696784750554 g
- Serving Size 1 1 x8 Inch Pan, Cut Into Square (59g)
- Sodium 357.233583774967 mg
- Sugar 20.4894516801335 g
- Trans Fat 1.51625165470058 g
- Calories 271 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 300F degrees.
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on each side.
- Grease with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl using an electric or hand-held mixer on medium speed, beat together the butter and sugar until well combined.
- Turn the mixer down to low and beat in the flour and cornstarch until combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the bottom layer is baking, make the strawberry layer and topping.
- To make the strawberry layer toss together all the ingredients (strawberries, cornstarch, sugar & orange zest) in a medium sized bowl.
- Set aside.
- To make the streusel topping, in a medium bowl stir together all the ingredients using a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula. It will be crumbly.
- After the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and turn up the oven to 350F degrees.
- Carefully spoon the strawberry mixture over the shortbread base until it's evenly covered.
- Then crumble the streusel layer over the strawberry layer. If you make a fist around the streusel and release your hand - it should form crumbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the streusel topping begins to turn golden brown and you can see the strawberry layer bubbling underneath.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
My Sweet Escape: Strawberry Crumb Bars – A Taste of Summer
Summer days often bring to mind lazy afternoons spent basking in the sun, the sweet scent of blooming flowers filling the air, and the simple pleasure of a delicious homemade treat. This summer, I've been particularly captivated by the vibrant, juicy sweetness of strawberries, and I've channeled that delight into a recipe that's become a fast favorite in my home: Strawberry Crumb Bars. These aren't your average crumb bars; they're a symphony of textures and tastes, a perfect balance of buttery shortbread, tangy strawberries, and a delightful crunchy streusel topping.
The inspiration struck during one of my many baking experiments. I had a surplus of ripe, sun-kissed strawberries begging to be used, and a sudden urge to create something both simple and impressive. Crumb bars seemed like the perfect canvas. I envisioned a shortbread base, crisp and buttery, providing the perfect foundation for a juicy strawberry filling. To top it all off, a generous layer of crumbly streusel would add the perfect textural contrast and a touch of extra sweetness. The result? Pure summer magic in every bite!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the process is surprisingly straightforward, even for those who aren't seasoned bakers. The buttery shortbread base comes together quickly, the strawberry layer requires minimal effort, and the streusel topping is a dream to create. The whole process feels like a relaxing, meditative experience; a welcome break from the daily hustle.
The aroma of baking strawberries fills your kitchen with an irresistible charm, drawing everyone in. The anticipation builds as the bars bake, the golden-brown streusel topping promising a delightful crunch. The final product? Bars so irresistible, they practically disappear before you can say “summer.” They are perfect for a casual afternoon tea, a summer picnic, or even a delightful addition to a potluck. And, let's be honest, who can resist a perfectly baked crumb bar, especially one that captures the essence of summer?
Beyond the simple pleasures of taste and texture, this recipe is a reminder to embrace the simple things. The joy of fresh, seasonal ingredients, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, and the delight of sharing it with loved ones. It's a recipe that speaks to the heart, a culinary embrace of the warmth and beauty of summer. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the summer in every bite. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe strawberries: The sweeter the strawberries, the better the bars will taste.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry bars. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting: This will prevent the bars from crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container: This will keep the bars fresh for several days.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch to the streusel topping.
- Use different berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would all be delicious substitutions for the strawberries.
- Add a glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze would add extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
These Strawberry Crumb Bars are more than just a recipe; they're an invitation to savor the simple joys of summer. So, take some time, embrace the process, and create a taste of summer that you'll cherish long after the season is over. Happy baking!
