Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
These Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Bars feature a thick layer of homemade strawberry filling sandwiched between a buttery brown butter oat crumble made with freeze-dried strawberries for even more flavor. They’re jammy, decadent, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite, making them the perfect summer dessert for parties, picnics, or weekend baking.
I originally made these because I had nearly two pounds of strawberries left over from another recipe and didn’t want them to go to waste. What started as a way to use up ingredients quickly turned into one of my favorite desserts I’ve made all year.
These bars are everything I want a strawberry crumble bar to be. The filling is thick, jammy, and loaded with fresh strawberries while the brown butter crumble adds richness and flavor you just don’t get from a traditional crumb topping. A little freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed into the crumble makes every layer taste like strawberries.
If you give this recipe a try, post a pic and tag @colbytroy on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain them before cooking the filling. The filling may need an extra few minutes of cooking time to thicken properly.
Do I have to use freeze-dried strawberries?
I highly recommend them. They add concentrated strawberry flavor to the crumble and help make these bars extra special. If needed, you can leave them out, but the overall strawberry flavor will be less pronounced.
Why do the bars need to chill before slicing?
The filling continues to set as it cools. Chilling the bars helps create clean slices and gives the filling its thick, jammy texture.
Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Bars
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Blender/Food Processor for strawberry powder
Ingredients
Strawberry Filling
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble
- 1 cup unsalted butter browned
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries finely crushed into powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter becomes golden brown and smells nutty, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the butter cools, make the filling. Add the strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt to a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture is thick and jammy.
- Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly while preparing the crumble.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Add the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir until large crumbs form and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Do not press down.
- Return to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The freeze-dried strawberry powder is what gives the crumble its intense strawberry flavor.
- For clean slices, chill completely before cutting.
- The bars are delicious cold straight from the refrigerator or brought to room temperature before serving.
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