These Strawberry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert, combining a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet, fresh strawberry filling. With a touch of lemon and a hint of sweetness, these bars are ideal for any occasion. They’re simple to make, yet decadent and satisfying, offering a delightful twist on traditional pie.

Strawberry Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves fruity, indulgent treats with a buttery crunch. The combination of a flaky, crumbly crust and a juicy strawberry filling makes each bite irresistible. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these bars have a rustic charm and can be served in a variety of ways, from a casual family dinner to a more elegant gathering. The fresh strawberries and lemon zest bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery crust, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Crust/Topping:

3 cups flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 large lemon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
3 eggs, slightly beaten

Strawberry Filling:

4 cups fresh strawberries, cut in half
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¾ cup sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep your pan and oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang slightly to act as handles for lifting the bars out after baking.

Make the crumbly dough:

In a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix on low until blended. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Pro tip: Avoid overmixing—if the butter melts, you’ll lose that crumbly texture. Stop when it’s still slightly dry but crumbly.

Add the eggs:

Slowly mix in the slightly beaten eggs. The dough should still be crumbly but will hold together when pressed.

Press the crust:

Take about ⅔ of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the layer.

Make the filling:

In a large bowl, toss the strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.

Assemble the bars:

Pour the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust. Then, crumble the remaining dough over the top, leaving some strawberries peeking through for a rustic look.

Bake to golden perfection:

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.

Cool completely:

Let the bars cool completely in the pan so the filling can set. Cutting too soon may cause them to be messy, but they will still be delicious.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Berry Blend: Mix in other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different flavor profile.
Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for a bit of crunch.
Citrus Twist: Add a little extra zest of orange or lime to the strawberry filling for an added citrus boost.
Creamy Glaze: Drizzle the bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Definitely! You can add other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

How do I cut the bars neatly?

Let the bars cool completely to allow the filling to set. This will help you achieve neat slices. If the filling is too soft, it may make the bars messy when cutting.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free. Ensure the other ingredients, such as the cornstarch and baking powder, are also gluten-free.

Can I make these bars without lemon?

If you don’t have lemon, you can skip it or substitute it with orange zest for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I freeze these strawberry pie bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a smaller or larger pan, but keep in mind that it may affect the thickness of the bars. Adjust the baking time as necessary.

How can I make these bars more indulgent?

Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming too soggy?

Ensure the crust is baked long enough and set properly before adding the filling. Pressing the crust firmly into the pan also helps it hold its shape.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Pie Bars are a delicious and simple dessert, combining a buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and a delightful crumble on top. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a treat for yourself. The burst of fresh strawberry flavor and the buttery, crumbly texture make these bars a crowd-pleaser every time.

Strawberry Pie Bars

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Author: Alice
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 bars

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Description

These Strawberry Pie Bars offer the perfect balance of buttery crust and sweet strawberry filling, making them an easy yet indulgent dessert for any occasion. The crumbly topping, combined with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon, creates a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Whether for a family gathering or a special event, these bars are a crowd-pleaser!

Instructions

Prep your pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang.

Make the crumbly dough: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix on low until blended. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until you get pea-sized crumbs.

Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to maintain that crumbly texture. Stop mixing when the dough is slightly dry but still holds together when pressed.

Add the eggs: Slowly mix in the slightly beaten eggs. The dough will remain crumbly but should press together easily.

Press the crust: Take about ⅔ of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer.

Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Ensure all pieces are coated evenly.

Assemble the bars: Pour the strawberry mixture over the crust, then crumble the remaining dough on top, leaving some strawberries peeking through.

Bake to golden perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is slightly bubbling.

Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan to allow the filling to set. Cutting too soon may result in a messy but still delicious treat.

Notes

Serving and presentation ideas: Slice into neat squares or rectangles and place on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch.

For indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.