Growing up, I couldn’t wait for strawberry season. My grandma would make the most amazing Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars, and the smell would fill the whole house. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, watching her carefully hull and slice the fresh berries, then expertly blend the buttery crumble topping. As the bars baked, the sweet aroma would waft through the air, teasing our taste buds. When they finally came out of the oven, golden and bubbly, we’d have to restrain ourselves from diving right in. Those first warm, gooey bites were absolute heaven – the perfect balance of tart berries and crumbly, sugary topping. To this day, Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars remind me of summer days spent in my grandma’s kitchen, and I’m so excited to share this beloved family recipe with you.
Why This Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
There’s something truly special about homemade Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars. While the store-bought versions can be tasty, nothing compares to the flavors and textures of a freshly baked batch. The secret lies in the perfect blend of ingredients and the right techniques. By using ripe, juicy strawberries and a buttery, crumbly topping, you’ll create a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing – the ultimate summertime treat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to making show-stopping Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the base for the crumbly topping, ensuring a tender yet sturdy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tart strawberries.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the crumble topping.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a light, fluffy crumb in the topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Juicy, ripe strawberries are the star of the show, providing a burst of summery flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling, preventing a runny, watery result.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
Prep time for this recipe is just 15 minutes, and the total time from start to finish is 45 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a medium bowl, a large bowl, and a pastry blender or two forks to make these delectable Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease the baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well-incorporated.
2- In a large bowl, cream the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3- Gradually add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve 1 cup of this crumble mixture for the topping.
4- Press the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer on the bottom. In a separate bowl, toss the 2 pounds of sliced fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the berries are evenly coated.
5- Spread the cornstarch-coated strawberries over the crumble base in the baking dish, distributing them evenly.
6- Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumble topping over the strawberries, gently pressing it down to create an even layer. Bake the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum flavor. Avoid berries that are overly soft or mushy.
- Chill the butter before making the crumble topping for a flakier, more tender texture.
- Don’t overmix the crumble dough – this can result in a tough, dense topping. Gently mix until just combined.
- For a decorative touch, arrange the sliced strawberries in a visually appealing pattern before topping with the crumble.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
This recipe makes 12 servings of Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars, making it a delightful dessert to share with family and friends. Serve it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, pair the bars with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea. These crumble bars are also a wonderful addition to any picnic, potluck, or backyard barbecue.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. To store, let the bars cool completely, then cut into squares and transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the bars at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
These Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars can also be made ahead of time. Prepare the crumble topping and strawberry filling separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. The unbaked bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
Creative Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars Variations
While the classic Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved dessert:
- Try using a mix of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, for a delicious mixed-berry version.
- Swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar in the crumble topping for a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the crumble dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the top of the crumble for a nice crunch.
Making Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb:
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter, and omit the eggs. You can also try a plant-based milk in the crumble dough.
- Low-carb: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a low-carb baking mix. Substitute the granulated sugar with a granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before tossing with the cornstarch.
Q: How do I know when the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars are done baking?
A: The bars are ready when the topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly around the edges. The total baking time is 30 minutes.
Q: Can I make the Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping and strawberry filling separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble and bake the bars just before serving for best results.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars recipe yields 12 servings.
Q: What should I do if the topping starts to brown too quickly?
A: If the crumble topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the filling to continue baking.
Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and buttery crumble in these easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars. Featuring a flaky crust, juicy strawberry filling, and a golden-brown crumble topping, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, 1/2 cup of the butter, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch.
5. Spread the strawberry mixture over the crust.
6. Crumble the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the strawberries.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the crust mixture. If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars are a classic summertime dessert that will transport you right back to your childhood. With their irresistible combination of juicy berries and buttery, crumbly topping, these bars are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or enjoying them as a sweet treat on a lazy afternoon, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars today!
