If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, you’re about to fall in love with this Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe. These bars deliver a tender, buttery crust bursting with fresh strawberries and a zesty lemon twist, making every bite a joyful celebration of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just treating yourself, these bars have that magical way of feeling both comfortingly familiar and delightfully fresh.

Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe, and what’s great is how straightforward and honest they are. Each one plays a starring role—flour provides the sturdy base, fresh strawberries bring juicy sweetness, and lemon adds a bright pop that lifts the entire dish.

All-purpose flour: 3 cups to give structure and that perfectly tender crust.
Granulated sugar (for crust): 1 ½ cups to sweeten and balance the tartness of lemon and strawberries.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon to enhance all the flavors without being noticeable.
Lemon zest: Zest of 1 large lemon for a fragrant, citrusy kick.
Unsalted butter: ½ cup, cold and cubed, which makes the dough flaky and rich.
Eggs: 3 large, slightly beaten to bind the dough perfectly.
Fresh strawberries: 4 cups, halved, ensuring juicy bursts of natural sweetness.
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: 1 tablespoon to brighten and balance the filling.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to help thicken the strawberry filling beautifully.
Granulated sugar (for filling): ¾ cup to sweeten the strawberries just right.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—letting the edges hang over the sides. This little trick will make lifting your bars out after baking a breeze and keep your crust intact.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

In a stand mixer on low speed, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest until evenly combined. Then toss in the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Pour in the slightly beaten eggs and mix until the dough forms large, crumbly clumps—that’s exactly what you want to create that perfect texture.

Step 3: Form the Base

Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create a sturdy crust. This layer will hold the juicy filling, so make sure the corners are well covered and the base is even.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, toss your halved strawberries with freshly squeezed lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar. This mixture not only sweetens but also thickens during baking, giving your bars an irresistibly luscious strawberry layer.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bars

Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the pressed crust. Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the strawberry layer like a buttery blanket—this crumbly topping will bake into a golden, irresistible crust on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. The smell alone will have you eagerly waiting to taste.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Let your bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because it allows the filling to set perfectly, making sure each square holds together beautifully when you lift it out and cut.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the bars for a pretty, classic finish. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole sliced strawberries can add a lovely, fresh garnish that spices up the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

These bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the experience to the next level. If you want a lighter option, fresh fruit salad alongside also complements the strawberry lemon flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve your bars on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of lemon curd or strawberry jam for dipping. You can even cut them into bite-sized pieces for an elegant finger-food style at parties or brunches—guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled not only preserves freshness but also helps the filling maintain its delightful texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your bars briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the buttery crust without drying out the luscious strawberry filling, unlike microwaving which can make the crust chewy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they hold their texture and flavor well during baking. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the crust soggy.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, as gluten-free flours sometimes absorb moisture differently.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the dough and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to 24 hours. This can actually enhance the flavors. Just be sure to bring it back to a workable temperature before assembling.

What is the best way to ensure my crumb topping is golden and crisp?

Using cold butter and mixing just until pea-sized crumbs form helps create that crisp, golden topping. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and flaky after baking.

How tart will the lemon flavor be in this recipe?

The lemon zest and juice provide a bright, refreshing tang, but it’s balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar. If you prefer a more subtle lemon presence, reduce the zest slightly, but the hint of lemon is what makes this recipe so unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe that makes it easy to fall in love at first bite. It’s a perfect balance of fresh, tangy, sweet, and buttery, wrapped up in a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth crust. If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert rotation or impress a crowd with minimal fuss, these bars should definitely be your next baking adventure. I promise, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe right away!

Strawberry Lemon Pie Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

Delightful Strawberry Pie Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust, a zesty lemon touch, and a fresh strawberry filling. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, these bars combine sweet and tangy flavors in a handheld dessert ideal for gatherings or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust & Topping

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 large lemon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3 large eggs, slightly beaten

Filling

4 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¾ cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars once baked.
Make the Crust & Topping: In a stand mixer on low speed, combine the flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, salt, and lemon zest until evenly mixed. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Incorporate the slightly beaten eggs and continue mixing until the dough has a crumbly texture.
Form the Base: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved fresh strawberries with the lemon juice, cornstarch, and ¾ cup granulated sugar until the fruit is thoroughly coated and the mixture is slightly thickened.
Assemble: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust layer. Then crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the strawberry filling to create the topping.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping turns a golden brown color and the filling is bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. Cut into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

Ensure the butter is cold for a crumbly, flaky crust and topping.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
Allow bars to cool thoroughly to let the filling set properly before cutting.
The lemon zest and juice add a bright contrast to the sweet strawberries.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American