Name: Strawberry Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487343H15M35S
Total time: PT-487343H15M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Crust and Crumble Topping; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup old-fashioned oats; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; Strawberry Layer; 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch

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Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delightful, sweet treat with a buttery crust, juicy strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping that melts in your mouth. This simple yet irresistible dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Strawberry Crumble Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Strawberry Crumble Bars because they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. The buttery crust and crumble topping are perfectly complemented by the bright, fresh strawberry filling. Plus, it’s easy to make and a fun treat to share with family and friends. The combination of textures, from the crisp crust to the tender filling and crunchy topping, is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble Topping

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Strawberry Layer

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside. Lining the pan makes cleanup easier.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. I usually do this by microwaving it for about 1 minute on high power.
Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt (if using). Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. The texture will be dry and crumbly, with some larger pieces forming.
Set aside 1 heaping cup of the crumble mixture to use later as the topping.
Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even, smooth crust. You can use a spatula or your fingers to pack it down.
For the strawberry layer, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir everything together to coat the strawberries in the sugar mixture.
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the strawberries.
Bake the bars for 40–45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help them set and hold their shape.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 9–12 bars, depending on how large you cut them. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 40–45 minutes. Overall, expect about 1 hour to prepare and bake the bars, plus additional time for cooling.

Variations

Fruit Filling: While strawberry is my favorite, you can easily switch up the fruit. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different twist on the filling.
Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch in your crumble topping, try adding some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg instead of any eggs (though this recipe doesn’t specifically call for eggs, it’s an easy swap if you’re also using a plant-based version).

Storage/Reheating

I like to store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I’ll refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, I recommend popping them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm, or you can warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the strawberries completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, these bars are a great make-ahead treat. I often bake them the day before and store them in an airtight container until I’m ready to serve.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

Once the bars have cooled completely, I find it easiest to use a sharp knife or even a serrated knife to cut through the crumbly topping and the soft strawberry layer.

Can I add a glaze to the bars?

If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled bars. To make it, just mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the bars.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If I want to make a larger batch, I’ll double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as necessary; it may take a bit longer to bake in a larger pan.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Crumble Bars are a fantastic dessert that never fails to impress. The combination of a buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and crumbly topping is something I always look forward to. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack, a party, or a special treat, these bars will quickly become a favorite. I highly recommend giving them a try!