This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy.

Irresistible Strawberry Crumb Bars: Your Perfect Summer Dessert Guide

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s no better reason to step into the kitchen than the arrival of strawberry season. Overflowing with the vibrant flavors of fresh, juicy strawberries, these irresistible Strawberry Crumb Bars are destined to become your go-to summer treat. Imagine a delightful symphony of textures and tastes: a tender, buttery shortbread crust, a luscious layer of creamy vanilla bean pastry cream, and a generous topping of golden, crumbly shortbread, all embracing a sweet and tangy strawberry filling. Each bite delivers a burst of bright, fruity flavor, making these homemade crumb bars an absolute must-try for any dessert enthusiast.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating these spectacular strawberry dessert bars, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the perfect bake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, our clear, concise instructions and expert tips will ensure your success in crafting a memorable treat that celebrates the best of summer.

Why These Strawberry Crumb Bars Will Become Your New Favorite

Beyond their stunning appearance, these strawberry bars offer a unique combination of elements that make them truly exceptional:

• Bursting with Fresh Strawberry Flavor: We utilize a full pound of fresh strawberries, ensuring every single bar is packed with authentic, juicy berry goodness. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the strawberries are the true stars, making this a refreshing and vibrant summer dessert. Opting for fresh, peak-season strawberries elevates the flavor profile beyond what frozen berries can offer, providing a brighter and more intense fruity experience.
• Luxuriously Creamy Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream: A thick, silky, scratch-made vanilla bean pastry cream creates an exquisite creamy layer that perfectly complements the fresh strawberries. Its rich, custardy texture and aromatic vanilla notes add an unparalleled depth of flavor and smooth mouthfeel, contrasting beautifully with the fruit and crumble. This homemade custard isn’t just a filling; it’s a testament to classic baking that elevates the entire bar.
• Buttery, Dual-Purpose Shortbread Crumble: The ingenious design of this recipe means the same buttery shortbread mixture serves as both the firm, golden base and the delightful, crunchy crumb topping. This dual-purpose crust and crumble offers a satisfying buttery crunch in every bite, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the soft fruit and creamy custard. It’s simple, efficient, and utterly delicious.
• Effortless Elegance: Despite their sophisticated layers, these crumb bars are surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the result is a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a special treat at home.

Crafting Your Perfect Strawberry Crumb Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful strawberry bars is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

1. Prepare the Buttery Shortbread Crust and Crumble Topping

The foundation of these outstanding crumb bars is a rich, buttery shortbread that serves double duty as both the sturdy base and the irresistible crumbly topping. Begin by whisking together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. The combination of both white and brown sugar adds a nuanced sweetness and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown hue. Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, pour in melted unsalted butter and a touch of vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a fork or your fingertips until a moist, crumbly mixture forms. It should resemble coarse sand with some larger clumps. Next, take approximately two-thirds of this mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined square baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat glass to ensure a compact and uniform crust. This firm pressing is key to a stable base that won’t fall apart when sliced. Set the remaining shortbread crumbs aside; they will form the lovely golden topping later.

2. Master the Creamy Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream

The velvety smooth vanilla bean pastry cream is the luxurious heart of these strawberry bars. This scratch-made custard might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and truly elevates the dessert. In a medium saucepan, gently whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, the star ingredient—vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract), and a tiny dash of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth. Slowly, in a steady stream, whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. The key to a silky pastry cream is patience and constant stirring over low heat. Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture warms and gradually thickens, a process that typically takes about 10-15 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and start to bubble gently around the edges, indicating it’s ready. Immediately remove the pastry cream from the heat and pass it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This crucial step removes any tiny cooked egg bits, ensuring an incredibly smooth and luxurious custard. Finally, stir in the remaining unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated, giving the cream a glossy finish. Place plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming, and set it aside to cool slightly before assembling the bars. This cooling period is essential for proper layering.

3. Prepare the Sweet and Tangy Strawberry Filling

The vibrant strawberry layer brings a burst of fresh flavor and natural sweetness to these bars. Start by washing a generous pound of fresh strawberries thoroughly. Hull them (remove the green leafy tops) and chop them into small, uniform pieces. Aim for pieces roughly ¼ to ½ inch in size to ensure they cook evenly and distribute well throughout the bars. Place the chopped strawberries in a medium bowl, then sprinkle them with a little granulated sugar and cornstarch. Gently toss the strawberries until they are fully coated. The sugar enhances their natural sweetness, while the cornstarch helps to thicken the juices released during baking, preventing a soggy filling and ensuring a perfectly set fruit layer. This simple step ensures a delightful texture and concentrates the strawberry flavor.

4. Assemble the Layers of Delight

Now comes the exciting part – bringing all the components together to form your magnificent strawberry crumb bars. Take your prepared baking pan with the pressed shortbread base. First, carefully spread the slightly cooled vanilla pastry cream evenly over the shortbread crust, making sure to extend it all the way to the edges of the pan. An offset spatula works wonders for creating a smooth, uniform layer. Next, gently spoon the prepared fresh strawberry mixture over the pastry cream. Distribute the strawberries as evenly as possible, working to cover the custard layer, allowing only a little of the creamy base to peek through. Finally, take the reserved shortbread crumble topping and sprinkle it generously and evenly over the layer of strawberries. Break up any large clumps with your fingers to ensure a consistent, crumbly texture across the top. This final layer will bake into a beautiful golden-brown crust, adding a delightful crunch.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection and Chill to Set

With all the layers assembled, your strawberry crumb bars are ready for the oven. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 28-32 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is bubbling up appealingly around the edges of the pan, and the buttery shortbread crumb topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. This indicates that the strawberries are softened, their juices have thickened, and the crust and crumble are perfectly toasted. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. This initial cooling is important, but the true magic happens in the refrigerator. Transfer the cooled bars to the fridge and chill them for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally, overnight, until they are thoroughly chilled and set. Chilling solidifies the pastry cream and firms up the strawberry layer, making the bars much easier to slice cleanly and enhancing their refreshing taste. Once perfectly chilled, slice them into squares and savor every delightful bite!

Essential Tools for Baking Success

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are some of our favorite essentials that will help you create these delightful strawberry crumb bars with ease:

Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Crumb Bars Every Time

Achieving bakery-perfect strawberry crumb bars is simple with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you elevate your baking and ensure your bars are always a showstopper:

• Always Serve Chilled: For the best flavor and texture experience, these bars are absolutely best served chilled directly from the refrigerator. The cold temperature not only helps the pastry cream and strawberry filling set beautifully for clean slices, but it also enhances the refreshing quality of the fresh strawberries, making them even more delightful on a warm day. The flavors meld and intensify when cooled, offering a more balanced and enjoyable bite.
• The Hot Knife Trick for Clean Slices: The secret to achieving perfectly neat, clean slices without sticky edges or crumbled layers is to use a hot knife. Before each cut, dip the blade of a large, sharp knife into very hot water. Quickly wipe the blade completely dry with a clean towel. Then, make a single, decisive slice through the bars. Wipe the knife clean again, re-dip in hot water, dry, and repeat for every subsequent cut. This prevents the layers from sticking to the knife and creates beautifully defined portions.
• Embrace Fruit Variations: While strawberries are undoubtedly delicious, this recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits. For a delightful twist, explore my Cherry Crumb Bars, Peaches and Cream Bars, or Mixed Berry Streusel Bars. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy this fantastic recipe year-round with whatever fresh fruit is in season.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Since fresh strawberries are the star, choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. Using real vanilla bean paste or high-quality vanilla extract will significantly impact the pastry cream’s taste, providing a richer and more authentic vanilla essence.
• Don’t Overmix the Shortbread: Once the butter is added to the dry ingredients for the shortbread, mix just until combined and crumbly. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher crust rather than a tender, buttery one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Crumb Bars

What is the best way to store these delicious strawberry crumb bars?

To maintain their freshness, creamy texture, and structural integrity, store your strawberry crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. If you plan to stack the bars in layers, be sure to place a sheet of parchment paper in between each layer. This simple trick prevents them from sticking together and helps preserve their pristine appearance.

Can I freeze the strawberry crumb bars for later enjoyment?

Absolutely! These strawberry crumb bars freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert option. For optimal results, I highly recommend slicing the bars into individual portions before freezing. Arrange the sliced bars in an airtight freezer-safe container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer the frozen bars to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. They will be just as delicious as when freshly baked!

Is it possible to use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

While this recipe was developed using fresh strawberries for their vibrant flavor and ideal texture, you can certainly try it with frozen strawberries. However, there’s a crucial step: ensure you thaw the frozen strawberries completely first. Frozen strawberries tend to release a significant amount of excess juice, which can make your bars soggy if not addressed. After thawing, thoroughly drain all the excess liquid before tossing the strawberries with sugar and cornstarch as directed in the recipe. This will help maintain the desired consistency of the filling.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla bean paste on hand?

Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and those beautiful specks of vanilla bean, but if you don’t have it, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with an equal amount of pure vanilla extract. While the visual appeal might be slightly different, the overall flavor profile will still be wonderfully vanilla-infused and delicious.

Baking Tip: Embrace the Precision of a Kitchen Scale!

For consistent and professional baking results, I cannot emphasize enough the benefits of using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients rather than relying on volumetric measuring cups. Weighing ingredients, especially flour, is the most accurate method, ensuring your recipes turn out perfectly every single time. This precision leads to a higher success rate and a more consistent product. As an added bonus, using a scale often means fewer measuring cups to wash, resulting in an easier cleanup! I provide gram measurements in all my recipes, and this is the scale I love and recommend.

More Delightful Strawberry Desserts You’ll Love

If you’re as passionate about strawberries as we are, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this incredible berry:

• Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
• Berry Chantilly Tiramisu
• Yuzu Strawberry Pound Cake
• Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and savoring these spectacular Strawberry Crumb Bars. They are a true celebration of summer, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a delightful personal treat. If you make this recipe and love it as much as we do, be sure to leave a comment below. Happy baking!

Strawberry Crumb Bars

These delicious strawberry crumb bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy vanilla bean custard, sweet strawberry filling, and a crunchy crumb topping. The perfect summer treat for any occasion!

Author: Rachel

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust & Crumbs

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup (54g) granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (242g) whole milk
• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter

For the Fresh Strawberry Layer

• 20 ounces fresh, whole strawberries (approximately 16 ounces after hulling and chopping)
• 2 Tablespoons (26g) granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (16g) cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9” x 9” square baking pan with parchment paper, creating a “sling” by leaving an overhang on all four sides. This will make it easy to lift the baked bars out of the pan.
2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust & Crumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly with a fork. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract, then mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture has a uniform, crumbly texture.
3. Take about two-thirds of the prepared shortbread mixture and add it to the bottom of your parchment-lined pan. Press this mixture down very firmly and evenly across the bottom to form the crust. You can use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or drinking glass to help pack it down tightly and smoothly. Set the remaining one-third of the crumbly mixture aside for the topping.
4. Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream: In a medium saucepan, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla bean paste (or extract), and salt until the mixture is well combined and has a light, smooth consistency. Slowly stream the whole milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.
5. Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, whisking constantly, for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens considerably and begins to bubble around the edges. This constant stirring is crucial to prevent burning and ensure a smooth custard. Remove the pastry cream from the heat and immediately strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl; this step removes any small lumps or cooked egg pieces, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated, giving the cream a beautiful glossy finish. Cover the surface of the pastry cream directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and set it aside to cool slightly to room temperature.
6. Prepare the Fresh Strawberry Layer: Wash your fresh strawberries, remove the green tops (hull them), and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. After chopping, you should have approximately 16 ounces of strawberries. Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl, then sprinkle with the additional granulated sugar and cornstarch. Toss gently until all the strawberries are thoroughly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as they bake.
7. Assemble the Bars: Spread the slightly cooled vanilla pastry cream in an even layer over the pressed shortbread base, extending it all the way to the edges of the pan. Next, carefully spoon the prepared strawberry mixture over the vanilla custard, spreading it out into as flat and even a layer as possible, ensuring the custard is mostly covered. Finally, crumble the reserved shortbread mixture into small pieces and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the strawberry layer, covering the fruit.
8. Bake the assembled bars in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 28-32 minutes. The bars are ready when the strawberry filling is bubbling visibly around the edges of the pan, and the shortbread topping has turned a rich, golden brown color.
9. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the strawberry crumb bars to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. After they have cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars until they are thoroughly set, which typically takes at least 2-3 hours, or ideally, overnight. Once completely chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper sling, slice them with a hot knife, and enjoy!

HI THERE!

I’m Rachel

I’m the dessert lover, recipe developer, and content creator behind Sweet Kitchen Cravings. Here you’ll find classic yet special recipes that are sure to impress your loved ones!

MORE ABOUT RACHEL