Strawberry Pie Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the flavor of classic strawberry pie with the convenience of handheld dessert bars. These bars feature a buttery crumble crust, a sweet and juicy strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping that bakes to a golden brown. This Strawberry Pie Bars recipe is perfect when fresh strawberries are in season and you want to create a dessert that highlights their natural sweetness. The bars are easy to make and bake in a single pan, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and summer celebrations. Because they slice neatly into squares, Strawberry Pie Bars are also great for serving a crowd or packing as a sweet snack.
Ingredients for Strawberry Pie Bars
This recipe includes two main components: a buttery crumble crust and a fresh strawberry filling.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Crust and topping |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups | Sweetness |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Flavor balance |
| Lemon zest | 1 large lemon | Fresh flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | Cold and cubed |
| Eggs | 3 large | Slightly beaten |
| Fresh strawberries | 4 cups | Cut in half |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Bright flavor |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | Thickens filling |
| Sugar | ¾ cup | Strawberry filling |
Why Fresh Strawberries Work Best
Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for the filling. Their natural juices combine with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick and sweet strawberry layer.
Ingredient Tips
Cold butter helps create a crumbly crust and topping. Lemon zest and lemon juice enhance the strawberry flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a stand mixer combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until evenly combined.
3. Add the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes and mix until the mixture forms small pea-sized crumbs.
4. Add Eggs
Pour in the beaten eggs and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
5. Press the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a bowl combine strawberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir until well mixed.
7. Add Filling
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust layer.
8. Add Crumble Topping
Crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry filling.
9. Bake the Bars
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top becomes lightly golden.
10. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them from the pan and cutting into squares.
Helpful Baking Tips
• Use parchment paper to easily remove the bars from the pan.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
• Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor.
• Do not skip the cornstarch as it thickens the filling.
• Chill the bars briefly for cleaner slices.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Serving Ideas
These strawberry pie bars are delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
Strawberry pie bars can be frozen for up to two months.
Make Ahead
Bake the bars a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Strawberry Pie Bars are a simple yet flavorful dessert that highlights the sweetness of fresh strawberries. The buttery crumble crust combined with the juicy strawberry filling creates a dessert that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether served at a summer gathering or enjoyed as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to be a favorite.
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Strawberry Pie Bars – Easy Homemade Strawberry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 12 bars
Description
Strawberry pie bars made with a buttery crumble crust and sweet fresh strawberry filling. A delicious strawberry dessert perfect for summer.
Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lemon zest
1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
3 eggs slightly beaten
4 cups fresh strawberries cut in half
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour sugar salt and lemon zest.
3. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Add eggs and mix until dough forms.
5. Press two thirds of dough into baking dish.
6. Combine strawberries lemon juice cornstarch and sugar.
7. Spread filling over crust.
8. Crumble remaining dough over filling.
9. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until golden.
10. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
Allow bars to cool before slicing.
Store leftovers in refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can frozen strawberries be used in strawberry pie bars?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before using to remove excess liquid.
Why is cornstarch used in the filling?
Cornstarch thickens the strawberry juices so the bars hold their shape.
How do you cut clean dessert bars?
Allow them to cool completely and use a sharp knife.
Can strawberry pie bars be frozen?
Yes, they freeze well for up to two months.