Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy treat to brighten your day, look no further than Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing. These bars combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a crumbly, buttery base, all topped off with a tangy lemon icing. They’re perfect for picnics, dessert tables, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also simple to make. You can easily customize it with your favorite berries or adjust the sweetness to your liking. The combination of crispy crumble and juicy strawberries makes every bite a delight. Plus, the lemon icing adds a refreshing zing that enhances the overall flavor. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these bars are sure to impress!

How to Make Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved if small or quartered if large)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 large egg (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 cup fresh strawberries (halved)

Directions:

Make the Strawberry Filling: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the hulled strawberries with 3 tablespoons of sugar and lemon juice on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 17 minutes, stirring halfway through. Transfer the roasted strawberries into a bowl with their liquid. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Lightly mash or chop the berries, then set aside to cool. Alternatively, mix fresh strawberries with sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and cornstarch if you want to skip the roasting step.
Prepare the Crumble Base: Line the bottom of an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until you get pea-sized crumbs. Combine the flour mixture with the sugar and egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Bars: Press 2/3 of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it is compact. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the base. Scatter the remaining 1/3 of the crumble mixture over the strawberries by breaking it into small clumps. Add sliced strawberries on top for extra decoration.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Lemon Icing: Once the bars have cooled, stir together the lemon juice and sifted powdered sugar to create the icing. Drizzle the lemon icing over the entire crumble or over individual slices as desired.

Serving & Storing

These bars are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled and the flavors have melded. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing

Serve these lovely bars as a dessert after a meal or as an afternoon snack. They can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The lemon icing adds a beautiful finish that makes them look even more appealing!

How to Store Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing

To keep your Strawberry Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them before adding the lemon icing. Just wrap them tightly and then thaw before serving.

Tips to Make Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing

Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch (just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid).
Customize the crumble by adding nuts or oats for extra texture.
Make sure the butter is cold to achieve the perfect crumble consistency.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries. You can also try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumble for a warm spiced flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a good binding quality.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

With these simple steps, you can whip up a delicious batch of Strawberry Crumble Bars with Lemon Icing that will surely make you smile. Happy baking!