Strawberry Pie Bars

These strawberry pie bars are buttery, sweet, and jam-packed with fresh, juicy flavor!

They’re light, bright, and easy to make. And you only need pantry staples to pull them off. 

Better yet, they’re so dang versatile! Picnics, BBQs, bake sales, Netflix binges – they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. 

I’ve even had the leftovers for breakfast. (I won’t tell if you don’t!)

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Pie Bars

Strawberry pie bars are a must-bake for all the summer berry lovers out there. 

Here’s why they need to be on your baking list:

Irresistible Flavor Combo: The buttery crust, crumbly top, and fresh strawberry taste will have you craving more.

Portable Convenience: As much as I love classic fruit pies, they’re time-consuming. But these bars are easy to make, slice, serve, and transport, making them an excellent option for gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations.

Seasonal Delight: Strawberry pie bars showcase the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh strawberries. And the color is picture-perfect, to boot!

Ingredients

The recipe comes together quickly with ingredients I bet you already have on hand. 

And trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again when strawberries are in season.

Here’s the shopping list: 

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crust and crumb topping, creating a delicate and crumbly texture.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

• Baking Powder: For a little bit of lift in the base. 

• Unsalted Butter: For a rich, buttery crust and a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping. Feel free to use salted butter, then skip the extra salt.

• Eggs: To enrich the base and crumb.

• Old-Fashioned Oats: Provide a satisfying crunch and rustic texture to the crumb topping, making each bite more interesting.

• Fresh Strawberries: Choose bright red, firm berries for the best flavor. But don’t shy away from overripe berries, either. You’ll make a quick jam filling so they can be slightly soft. 

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling and the crust.

• Cornstarch: The key to the thick filling that sets and slices.

• Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest: Add bright, citrusy notes that complement the sweetness of the strawberries and elevate the overall flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Pie Bars

These little beauties are the perfect summer dessert. They’re colorful, sweet, simple, and a show-stopper on any BBQ dessert table.

Here’s how they’re made:

1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. CRUST. Mix the crust ingredients until crumbly. Remove 1/3 of the crumble, press the rest into the prepared pan, and bake.

3. FILLING. Heat the filling ingredients in a saucepan, stirring frequently, until thick. Set aside to cool.

4. BAKE. Spread the jam over the crust, sprinkle the crumble on top, then bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool fully before slicing.

Tips For the Best Strawberry Pie Bars

If you can rub butter into flour, you can make these pie bars. 

There’s no need to make pastry and roll it out. And there’s no need to stress about decorating—the crumble top does all the heavy lifting there!

But before you begin, check out these tips to ensure your bars are the best they can be:

• Chill the crust for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan for a more tender, flaky crust.

• Use fresh berries. As mentioned, you want ripe, fresh berries. Slightly mushy berries are fine, too, since you’ll cook them.

• Frozen fruit. If all you have is frozen fruit, thaw is slightly and drain some of the excess liquid away. Then cook as instructed, with an extra 5-10 minutes on the stove.

• Skip the oats. They add texture, but you can replace them with extra flour if you don’t like them. An additional 1/4 cup of flour should do the trick.

• Use a food processor. Add all the crust ingredients (not the oats) and pulse until just combined. The dough should be crumbly, not smooth.

• Cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling sets properly and the bars hold their shape.

• Variations. Try different berries like raspberries or blueberries or a combination of your favorites. You can also add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumb topping for extra flavor and crunch.

• Cheat’s version. Freeze ready-made sugar cookie dough, then grate 2/3 into a lined baking pan. Don’t press it down. Spoon store-bought jam over the top, then sprinkle over the rest of the grated cookie dough and bake.

How to Store

These are a terrific make-ahead treat, and they even freeze well!

Here’s what you need to know:

To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or wrap the whole tray (when cold) in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for 4-5 days. 

To Freeze: Wrap cold leftover slices in plastic, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

For Fruity Pie Bars You’ll Love

Cherry Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars
Apple Pie Bars