If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that’s both bright and comforting, these Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars are everything you’ve been dreaming of. Soft, buttery crumb layers surround a tangy strawberry-lemon filling that melts in your mouth, and every bite feels like a warm hug with a hint of sunshine.
Hi 👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I first baked these Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars on a weekend when I wanted a treat that felt special but wasn’t complicated. I had some ripe strawberries and fresh lemons on the counter, and I wanted a dessert that would brighten a rainy afternoon. One batch later, I knew I’d found a new favourite. The sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and buttery crumb all come together perfectly, and they slice beautifully for sharing with family or friends.
Every time I make these Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars, I’m reminded that desserts don’t need to be fancy to feel magical. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or just a quiet moment with a cup of coffee and someone you love.
Why I Love Making Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars
I adore these bars because they’re approachable, fuss-free, and full of flavour. The crumb topping is buttery and crisp, the filling is fresh and tangy, and the base is soft yet sturdy enough to hold everything together.
I also love the way they make my kitchen smell warm butter, sweet strawberries, and fresh citrus. There’s something about that aroma that feels nostalgic, like baking with a loved one.
Another reason I love making Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars is that they’re versatile. I can use them as a dessert for gatherings, a sweet snack for school lunchboxes, or a treat with my afternoon tea. They’re always a hit, and I love seeing the smiles when people take their first bite.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Ingredients
For the Crumb:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
My Little Kitchen Secrets
I always toss the strawberries with cornstarch and lemon zest to prevent the filling from becoming watery. This keeps the bars perfect for slicing.
I also like to chill the crumb mixture slightly before pressing half into the pan. It helps form a solid base without losing the buttery texture.
For extra flavour, I sometimes add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling or a pinch of cinnamon to the crumbs. Both give the bars a cozy, layered flavour that’s irresistible.
How I Make Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars, Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crumb: In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in flour and salt until crumbly. Reserve half the mixture for the topping.
- Press the other half firmly into the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
- Spread the strawberry-lemon mixture over the partially baked base.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crumb is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles.
How I Serve Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars at Home
I love serving these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.
Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch. Other times, I drizzle a light lemon glaze made from lemon juice and icing sugar to enhance the tangy flavour.
They’re perfect for picnics, afternoon tea, or a casual dessert when friends drop by. I often cut a few extra to keep in the fridge for a sweet snack during the week—it never lasts long!
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Store these Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They keep their texture best without refrigeration.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the perfect bite.
These bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or as a whole pan in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
I sometimes make the base and crumbs ahead of time and assemble the filling the morning of baking—this gives a fresh fruit flavour with minimal effort.
100-Word Short Version
These Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. A crisp crumb topping covers a soft base and a juicy strawberry-lemon filling that melts in your mouth. They’re simple to make yet impressive to serve, perfect for tea, dessert, or an easy snack. I toss strawberries with lemon and cornstarch to prevent sogginess, and the buttery crumb is my secret for the perfect bite. Chill, slice, and enjoy—these bars are delicious fresh or slightly chilled and always bring smiles to everyone at the table.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Crumb:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter with sugar and brown sugar.
- Stir in flour and salt until crumbly; reserve half.
- Press remaining crumb into pan and bake 10 minutes.
- Mix strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch.
- Spread filling over base.
- Sprinkle reserved crumb on top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool completely before slicing.
📝 Notes
Use ripe, firm strawberries for best results.
Toss fruit with cornstarch to avoid a soggy filling.
Chill the crumbs slightly for a firmer base.
Store in airtight container or freeze for later.
🍽️ Nutrition (per bar approx)
Calories: 250
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 120mg
Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: B
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars feature a buttery crumb, juicy strawberry-lemon filling, and bright citrus flavor. Perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or a sweet snack, these easy-to-make bars combine soft base, tangy filling, and crisp topping in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter with sugar and brown sugar.
- Stir in flour and salt until crumbly; reserve half.
- Press remaining crumb into pan and bake 10 minutes.
- Mix strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch.
- Spread filling over base.
- Sprinkle reserved crumb on top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use ripe, firm strawberries for best results. Toss fruit with cornstarch to avoid a soggy filling. Chill the crumbs slightly for a firmer base. Store in airtight container or freeze for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
Baking these Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars always brightens my day. The buttery crumb, tangy filling, and sweet strawberries create a dessert that’s both comforting and cheerful. Sharing them with family or friends makes them even more special. Every bite feels like love in edible form a reminder that baking is more than recipes, it’s about creating memories.