Summer is here and juicy strawberries are everywhere! What better way to enjoy them than in a yummy and easy dessert? These Strawberry Crumble Bars are exactly what you need. They are bursting with flavor, super easy to make, and everyone will love them!
These simple Strawberry Crumb Bars have a buttery crust, sweet fresh strawberry filling, and a crunchy butter topping. They make a great snack for an afternoon, or to bring to a summer party, picnic, or potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with everyday ingredients and no fancy equipment, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- These strawberry crumble bars are buttery and sweet!
- Whip up a batch in under an hour, ideal for last-minute cravings or potlucks.
- The buttery crumble topping offers a delightful contrast to the sweet and juicy strawberry filling.
- Feel free to use a combination of fresh berries to switch up the flavor.
- They are great for birthdays, BBQs, Fourth of July, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and more.
- This recipe can be made gluten free. In addition, it is naturally nut free.
- Check out these Strawberry Brownies for another fruity dessert recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these gluten free strawberry crumble bars. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
Both gluten free flour and regular flour work in this recipe. Since I am gluten free, I used gluten free flour. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur are two great brands.
Use melted unsalted butter. Dairy free butter works well too.
A little baking powder helps the crust rise slightly.
Pure maple syrup adds a natural sweetness. Feel free to use honey if needed.
A little vanilla extract adds a delicious homemade taste.
For the filling, use fresh berries. Do not use frozen berries.
A little tapioca flour helps thicken the filling. If needed, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Lemon juice and lemon zest adds a bright and fresh flavor.
Lastly, a little pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness. Honey works well too.
Taste & Texture
Strawberry Crumble Bars have a beautiful balance between the juicy, sweet strawberries and the buttery, crunchy top and bottom layers.
The strawberries soften in the oven creating a jam-like layer that is both sweet and slightly tangy.
The crumble adds a slight crunch, giving you a delicious texture combo!
How to Make
Step 1
First, set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to heat up. Then, cover a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
Start by making the shortbread crust. Mix all the crust ingredients in a bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like cookie dough.
Step 3
Press ¾ of this mixture evenly into the lined pan. Save the remaining ¼ for the topping. Use a fork to poke holes in the crust.
Step 4
Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Then, take it out of the oven.
Step 5
In a clean bowl, mix all the filling ingredients. For a smoother texture, mash the berries. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6
Pour the fruit mixture into the pan. Spread it out into an even layer.
Step 7
Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top of the fruit.
Step 8
Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Step 9
Take these strawberry crumble bars out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 1 hour, then carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10
Finally, once completely cooled, cut into bars and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best strawberry crumble bars.
For the crust, use unsalted butter.
The crust dough should resemble sugar cookie dough.
Poke holes in the crust before baking.
Use fresh berries for the filling. Frozen berries will emit too much moisture while baking.
Bake until the bars are slightly bubbly along the edges.
Cool entirely before cutting into bars.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some fun ways to switch up the flavors of your strawberry crumble bars.
Want an extra chocolaty treat? Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a delicious twist.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Use different berries for the filling.
Sprinkle chocolate chips or white chocolate chips on top immediately after baking.
How to Serve & Store
These strawberry crumble bars are best enjoyed slightly warm, a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For storage, let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I do not recommend using frozen strawberries since they are so moist when thawed.
Use gluten free flour as written in this recipe to make gluten free strawberry crumble bars.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Yes! I love using a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Equipment Needed
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Parchment paper is great for quick and easy removal from the pan.
Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These mixing bowls are great for these strawberry crumble bars.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Enjoy
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Berry Cake
- Gluten Free Strawberry Muffins
If you make this strawberry crumble bar recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Dessert Recipes.
Strawberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 2 ¾ cups gluten free flour
- 1 cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 3 cups fresh strawberries or blueberries and raspberries
- 3 tbsp tapioca flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
Instructions
- First, set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to heat up. Then, cover a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Start by making the shortbread crust. Mix all the crust ingredients in a bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like cookie dough.
- Press ¾ of this mixture evenly into the lined pan. Save the remaining ¼ for the topping. Use a fork to poke holes in the crust.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Then, take it out of the oven.
- In a clean bowl, mix all the filling ingredients. For a smoother texture, mash the berries. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the pan. Spread it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top of the fruit.
- Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Take it out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 1 hour, then carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finally, once completely cooled, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- If you are not gluten free, feel free to use regular all purpose flour.
- If necessary, use honey instead of pure maple syrup.
- The crust dough should resemble classic sugar cookie dough.
- Feel free to use a combination of fresh berries for the filling.
- These bars are done baking when the filling is a little bubbly and the topping is slightly golden brown.
- Allow the strawberry crumble bars to fully cool before slicing.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
Nutrition
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