Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars present a delightful blend of flavors that is hard to resist. Combining a buttery shortbread crust, succulent strawberries, and a crumbly golden topping, this dessert is ideal for summer gatherings or simply enjoying at home. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can create a treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
This dessert is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an Easy Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. The fresh strawberries provide a burst of flavor, while the shortbread crust adds a satisfying crunch. Not to mention, they are an excellent choice for summer picnics or barbecues as they can be made in advance and served chilled. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a casual get-together, these Berry Crumble Dessert Bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and chilled butter cubes. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to form the crust.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch until well coated. Spread the strawberry mixture over the crust.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberry layer, gently pressing it down.
- Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your butter is chilled for a flakier crust.
- Let the bars cool completely to avoid crumbling when cutting.
- Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- This is a Baking method, best suited for those who appreciate homemade desserts.
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic touch, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair them with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing garnish. These options make them the Best Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars for summer gatherings.
How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method retains their delicious flavors and textures, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars?
The secret lies in using fresh strawberries and ensuring the butter is cold for a flaky crust. This is one of the keys to achieving the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Recipe.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead. Just be sure to store them in the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars?
Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the crust tough. Stick to the instructions for the best results, and you’ll have perfect Strawberry Dessert Crumble Bars every time.
Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars You Can Try
Don’t hesitate to experiment! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors. For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the crumble. These variations can cater to different dietary preferences, making this dessert even more versatile.
Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars – a delightful combination of a buttery shortbread crust, juicy fresh strawberries, and a crumbly, golden topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or an indulgent treat any time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a food processor, combine the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and chilled butter cubes. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to form the crust.
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch until well coated. Spread the strawberry mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberry layer, gently pressing it down.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars
