Strawberry Crumble Bars: A Delicious Sweet Treat

Strawberry Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert to enjoy during any season, bringing together the irresistible combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a buttery, crumbly topping. With just a handful of ingredients, these bars are easy to prepare and even easier to devour. The layers of strawberry preserves nestled between a crumbly oat base and topping create a delightful contrast of textures, while the optional glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. These bars make a great addition to any gathering, from casual family dinners to holiday parties.

For more fantastic bar recipes, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction or explore more ideas at Taste of Home’s Bar Desserts.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Strawberry Crumble Bars: A Sweet, Fruity Dessert

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and buttery. With a soft, buttery base, a layer of sweet strawberry preserves, and a crunchy, oat-filled crumble topping, these bars are both delicious and easy to make. Optional powdered sugar glaze adds a perfect finishing touch for a little extra sweetness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crumble Bars:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup strawberry preserves

For the Glaze (optional):

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust and Crumble:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
   • Add the flour, oats, and salt to the mixture and stir until combined. The dough will be crumbly, which is perfect for both the base and topping.

3. Prepare the Base:

   • Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden around the edges.

4. Add the Strawberry Layer:

   • Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the crust.

5. Add the Crumble Topping:

   • Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the strawberry preserves. Make sure the mixture is evenly spread over the top.

6. Bake the Bars:

   • Return the bars to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.

7. Cool the Bars:

   • Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares.

8. Make the Glaze (Optional):

   • For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the bars into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for dessert, snacks, or as part of a breakfast treat.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the strawberry preserves with any other fruit preserves or jam, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot, for a different flavor.

For added texture and flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the crumble topping.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Strawberry Crumble Bars

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust and Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugars are fully incorporated into the butter. Add the all-purpose flour, oats, and salt, and mix until the ingredients come together into a crumbly dough.
3. Press the Dough into the Pan: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a base for the bars. Set aside the remaining dough to use as the crumble topping.
4. Add the Strawberry Preserves: Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Crumble the Remaining Dough: Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the strawberry preserves, creating a crumble topping.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on the bars to ensure they don’t overbake.
7. Cool and Set: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting them into squares.
8. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create the glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.
9. Serve: Once cooled and glazed (if desired), slice the Strawberry Crumble Bars into squares or bars and serve. These bars are great on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Strawberry Crumble Bars

While the basic Strawberry Crumble Bars recipe is simple, here are some advanced techniques to take these bars to the next level:

Use Fresh Strawberries:

If you prefer to use fresh strawberries instead of preserves, you can make your own strawberry jam filling. Simply simmer fresh strawberries, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice until they break down and thicken into a jam-like consistency. This homemade filling will elevate the flavor of the bars and add a fresh, fruity note.

Add Zest for Extra Flavor:

Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the crumble topping or strawberry preserves. This will add a burst of citrusy freshness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and balances the richness of the buttery crust.

Add Nuts or Chocolate:

To enhance the texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) to the crumble topping for extra crunch. You can also stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the preserves or sprinkle them over the crumble topping before baking for a chocolate-strawberry combination.

Experiment with Other Fruit Preserves:

While strawberry is the classic choice, these crumble bars are versatile and can be made with any fruit preserves or jam you like. Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry preserves work wonderfully as alternatives to strawberry, providing different flavor profiles for the bars.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers:

Strawberry Crumble Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them in the container to maintain their crispness and freshness.

Freezing the Bars:

If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating:

To refresh leftover Strawberry Crumble Bars, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore some of their buttery texture and make them more delicious.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This recipe is quite adaptable to meet various dietary needs:

For Gluten-Free Diets:

To make these bars gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the oats and strawberry preserves for any gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination.

For Dairy-Free or Vegan Diets:

For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter (like coconut oil or vegan margarine) and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond milk, for the glaze.

For Low-Sugar or Keto Diets:

For a low-sugar or keto-friendly version, swap the granulated and brown sugars with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Be sure to use sugar-free strawberry preserves, or make your own low-sugar strawberry filling. You can also skip the glaze if you’re looking to reduce sugar even further.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! Strawberry Crumble Bars can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months for a convenient make-ahead treat.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?

Absolutely! If you want to use fresh strawberries, you can cook them down with sugar and lemon juice to create a jam-like filling for your bars. This will add a fresh and homemade element to the dessert.

Can I make the bars without the glaze?

The glaze is optional, and the bars are still delicious without it. If you prefer a less sweet topping, simply skip the glaze and enjoy the natural sweetness of the strawberries and crumble topping.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a buttery, crumbly topping and a sweet, fruity filling. With endless variations and customization options, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic strawberry preserve filling or experiment with other fruit, you’ll enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this treat. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear in no time!