Enjoy a delicious Strawberry Crumble Bars that scream summer. These Crumble Bars are bursting with strawberry flavor and are the perfect on-the-go breakfast! Summer offers an endless amount of bright-colored juicy fruits. Personally, my favorite one is Strawberries! Well everyone loves them. I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who doesn’t cherish strawberries!
There is something unique about these sweet, fragrant strawberries; the moment I spot them, I have a strong urge to buy a boat-load of them. The pleasurable sight of these large berries always put a smile on my face.
And imagine all kinds of wonderful treats you can make with them. They’re so versatile that you can create just about anything ranging from sweet to savory dishes.
Most of the time we enjoy fresh strawberries as is – straight from the bowl.
WHAT COULD BE A BETTER WAY TO USE FRESH STRAWBERRIES?
Bake them into a delicious treat. Since I had an abundance of fresh strawberries, I thought I would bake some VEGAN STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE BARS.
Crumble bar lovers will surely love this recipe as it is –
- easy to make
- packed with fresh fruit flavor
- will satisfy your sweet -tooth craving
- a perfectly-portable snack and
- can be customized to your tastes.
During the school year, these bars make a satisfying on-the-go breakfast recipe and are a regular treat at our house!
How to make these Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars?
It is a straightforward recipe that involves three simple steps which makes it practically foolproof. It includes a –
- Bottom layer – a delectable shortbread layer that has a lovely buttery crumb that will just melt-in-your-mouth
- Middle layer – a soft and perfectly sweet fresh strawberry layer
- Top layer – crumble topping
You start with a buttery crumb topping made with flour, butter, baking powder, sugar, and strawberry extract. The crust will double somewhat while baking. Bake as directed.
After the desired baking time, top the shortbread layer with a delicious filling made with fresh strawberries, lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch. Lemon zest lends a beautiful, bright flavor to the mixture.
Strawberries are vital to the bars as it adds the primary source of taste within the recipe.
Finally, seal the second layer with a thick coat of cinnamon flavored crumble topping made with flour, sugar, cinnamon and vegan butter. Bake as directed.
Once baked, allow it to cool. Cut into bars, and they make an ideal portable breakfast or snack. These bars are perfect for almost scenario, from eating with your coffee or tea or for a small party.
OTHER OPTIONS!
Are you willing to try something different? Then take a creative twist on this recipe by trying the below combinations.
- swap strawberries with any berries or summer fruit you like
- fresh berries not in season. No worries, frozen berries will work too. Thaw, pat dry and use a mentioned
- can bake this recipe with two berries layered side by side
- wheat flour would be a great substitute
- replace regular sugar with coconut sugar
- substitute vegan butter for coconut oil
- consider Nutella, peanut butter, and almond butter as a replacement for berries
- like a fall version – top with pumpkin filling. That’s next on my list. 🙂
See, you can create endless possibilities with given ideas.
What can I say more, it’s the perfect bar for any instance and can be loved by anyone, from children to adults. All in all, it’s one recipe that you must try out, one bite of this and you will impress everyone with your baking skills.
Give it a try, and you will not be disappointed.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does and it becomes your family favorite too. If you happen to make these, then share your comments below.
Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars
INGREDIENTS
COOKIE LAYER
- 1½ cups All purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Sugar
- ¾ cup Soften Vegan Butter (I have used Melts butter)
- ¾ teaspoon Strawberry extract
STRAWBERRY LAYER
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries, washed, and halved
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
CRUMBLE TOPPING
- 1½ cups All purpose flour
- ¾ cup Brown-sugar
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Soften Vegan Butter
SUGAR GLAZE – OPTIONAL – YIELDS 1/2 CUP
- 1 cup Powdered sugar/Confectioner’s Sugar
- 1½ tablespoons Vegan Milk
- ¾ teaspoon Strawberry extract or Vanilla
VEGAN WHIPPED CREAM – OPTIONAL
- ¼ cup Soy Milk
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Meanwhile, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the dry ingredients, strawberry extract and mix until it forms a soft dough.
- Grease and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang on each side. Press the shortbread mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the base is baking, prepare the strawberry layer.
- Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix to combine. Set it aside.
- Make the crumble topping by combining all the ingredients listed under “Crumble Topping” in a bowl.
- Mix everything together until the mixture resembles like crumbs. Set it aside.
- Time to assemble. Remove baked cookie from the oven.
- Carefully spoon the strawberry mixture on top of shortbread until its fully covered.
- Finally spread the crumble topping over the strawberry layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top looks golden brown in color. Allow it to cool completely.
- Carefully remove for the baking pan and cut into bars.
- Drizzle the glaze on top of the bars and enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
