Strawberry Crumb Bars

Sweet tooth alert! These Strawberry Crumb Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for springtime gatherings or summer picnics, these bars are an easy and delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sliced strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup rolled oats

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan.

Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the dough.

Roll out the remaining dough on a lightly floured surface to a size slightly larger than the baking pan. Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut the dough into strips for the crumb topping.

Place the strips on top of the strawberries, weaving them into a lattice pattern.

Trim the excess dough from the edges. Mix the rolled oats into the remaining dough scraps and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the lattice crust.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is tender.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper or foil. Cut into squares and serve!

Notes

Make sure to use room temperature butter for a fluffier crust.

Don’t overmix the dough, as it can lead to a tough crust.

If using parchment paper, make sure to spray it with cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.

Fresh strawberries are a must for the best flavor, but you can also use frozen strawberries, thawed and drained.

To get a nice golden brown crust, don’t open the oven door during the baking time.

These bars are perfect for a brunch or a summer potluck.

If you want a crisper crust, bake the bars for an additional 5-7 minutes.

These bars will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g