STRAWBERRY CRUMB BARS

 

 

 With their buttery crust, sweet, fresh strawberry filling, and crunchy butter crumb topping, these simple Strawberry Crumb Bars create delicious dessert bars that are perfect for an afternoon snack or to bring to a potluck, picnic, or summer party.

 

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup very cold butter

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

1/3 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

 

Start the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line the bottom of the 8x8 pan with parchment paper so that it extends over the sides of the pan. (This will make it simpler to remove the cooked Strawberry Crumb Bars.)

Combine 1/2 cup white sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.

Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork. It's crucial to ensure that the butter is cold. Work the dough into extremely little bits. It will be crumbly dough.  To make pea-sized crumbs, you can also pulse the ingredients in a food processor. Use a fork to beat one egg in a different measuring cup or small bowl. Once you have a crumbly mixture, add the egg and vanilla to the flour mixture and stir.

Evenly pat half of the dough into the pan that has been prepared.

Mix the cornstarch and 1/3 cup sugar in a separate bowl. Add the strawberries and stir.

Evenly spoon the strawberry mixture over the bottom crust.

Scatter the leftover dough on top of the layer of strawberry filling.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top begins to turn a light golden brown, in a preheated oven. (My oven bakes in around 38 minutes on high heat.)

Allow to cool fully before slicing into squares. It's best to keep it chilled until you're ready to serve.