Strawberry Crumble Bars Recipe Easy Dessert for Any Occasion

Posted on July 2, 2025

There’s just something magical about biting into a perfectly crumbly, buttery bar loaded with sweet, juicy strawberries. These Strawberry Crumble Bars are the kind of dessert that makes you pause and savor every bite—creamy, crumbly, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re looking for a treat to impress at a party or a cozy dessert to enjoy at home, this recipe is a must-try!

Honestly, strawberry desserts hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, my summers were spent picking strawberries at a local farm, and their sweetness was unmatched. This recipe brings those memories to life, combining a buttery crust, a fruity filling, and a crumbly topping into one irresistible dessert. And the best part? It’s easy to make, so you can whip these up anytime the craving strikes!

The Story Behind Strawberry Crumble Bars

Strawberry Crumble Bars have roots in classic fruit bar recipes that date back decades. Think of them as the perfect marriage between a pie and a cookie—sweet fruit nestled between layers of buttery, crumbly goodness. Traditionally, these bars were made with seasonal fruits, making them a popular summer treat when berries were at their peak.

For me, this recipe is all about nostalgia. I remember my grandmother making similar bars with whatever fruit was in season. She loved experimenting with fillings, but strawberries were always the favorite. Their natural sweetness and vibrant flavor make them ideal for a dessert like this.

These bars also adapt beautifully to any occasion. They’re equally perfect for a summer picnic, a holiday dessert table, or even just a midweek treat. Plus, the bright red color of the strawberry filling adds a cheerful touch to any spread!

Let’s Talk Ingredients

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make the most of each component:

Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, red strawberries with no bruises or soft spots. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones work well, too—just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess liquid.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the strawberries. You can use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or monk fruit for a slightly healthier option.
Cornstarch: A key ingredient to thicken the strawberry filling. If you’re out of cornstarch, tapioca starch or arrowroot powder are great alternatives.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crust and crumble topping. For a gluten-free version, swap this with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is crucial for achieving that crumbly texture. If you prefer, plant-based butter works just as well.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crumble topping. Light or dark brown sugar both work depending on your flavor preference.
Rolled Oats: These add texture and a slight nuttiness to the topping. Quick oats can be used, but rolled oats provide the best bite.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the strawberry filling and enhances the fruit’s natural flavor.

For storage, keep strawberries refrigerated until ready to use. And if you’re working with frozen ones, measure them after thawing to ensure accuracy in the recipe.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Strawberry Crumble Bars:

Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls for mixing the crust, topping, and filling.
Baking Dish: An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch dish works best for this recipe. If you don’t have a square pan, a similarly sized round pan will do.
Pastry Cutter or Fork: Useful for cutting the butter into the flour mixture. If you don’t have these, use your fingers—it’s messy but effective!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for baking, so make sure you’re measuring accurately.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but it makes removing the bars from the pan so much easier.

If you’re in a pinch, you can use a food processor to mix the crust and topping for a shortcut. Just be careful not to over-process!

How to Prepare Strawberry Crumble Bars

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
Make the crust and crumble: In a bowl, combine 1 cup (125g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100g) of brown sugar, 1/2 cup (45g) of rolled oats, and 1/2 cup (113g) of cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly.
Press the crust: Take half of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, mix 2 cups (300g) of diced strawberries with 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon (8g) of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the bars: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the baked crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling.
Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Pro tip: If your crumble feels too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water to bring it together. And keep an eye on the bars while baking—if the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

To get the best results from this recipe, here are a few tips:

Chill your butter: Cold butter is non-negotiable for a perfect crumble. If it’s too soft, the topping won’t hold its shape.
Don’t skimp on the lemon juice: A little acidity works wonders to balance the sweetness of the filling.
Let the bars cool: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but cooling allows the filling to set properly.
Use parchment paper: This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the bars lift out of the dish easily.

From experience, overmixing the crumble can lead to a dense texture, so work quickly and lightly when combining the ingredients!

Variations & Adaptations

Strawberry Crumble Bars are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Mixed Berry Crumble Bars: Replace half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and a sugar substitute like maple syrup to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Seasonal Twist: Use peaches or apples in place of strawberries during their peak seasons.

Personally, I’ve tried adding a dash of cinnamon to the crumble topping, and it brought a cozy warmth to the bars—perfect for fall gatherings!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For beverages, try serving them with a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea.

To store, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If freezing, wrap each bar individually and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per bar (depending on portion size):

Calories: 220
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making these bars a slightly healthier dessert option. Using oats in the topping adds fiber, while lemon juice provides a boost of vitamin C.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion, these Strawberry Crumble Bars are your answer. They’re customizable, crowd-pleasing, and just plain delicious.

I love this recipe because it’s a little nostalgic and a lot of fun to make. It’s one of those desserts that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you make it your own—leave a comment or share your photos!

So grab some strawberries and get baking. You deserve something sweet today!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

How do I know the bars are fully baked?

The topping should be golden brown, and the strawberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

Yes, refrigerating helps keep the filling fresh and ensures a firmer texture for slicing.

What’s the best way to serve these bars?

Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect pairing.