Lemon Crumb Bars With Strawberry Basil Swirl

These Lemon Crumb Bars with Strawberry Basil Swirl are the perfect treat to welcome warmer weather! The bright, tangy lemon filling is beautifully balanced by a sweet and herbaceous strawberry-basil swirl, all nestled on a buttery shortbread crust and topped with a delightfully crunchy crumble. This recipe combines classic flavors in a fresh and exciting way – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every bite!

What You’ll Need

• 150g (1 ¼ cup) All-Purpose Flour (for crust): This forms the base of our shortbread crust, providing structure and a tender crumb. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly.
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar (for crust): Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and helps with browning.
• ¼ tsp Salt (for crust): Enhances the flavors of the crust and balances the sweetness. Use fine sea salt for best results.
• 115g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed (for crust): The key to a flaky, tender crust! Keeping the butter cold is crucial – it creates pockets of steam when baking, resulting in that desirable texture.
• 3 Large Eggs (for lemon filling): Provide richness and bind the lemon filling together.
• 150g (¾ cup) Granulated Sugar (for lemon filling): Sweetens the lemon filling and contributes to its smooth texture.
• 120ml (½ cup) Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (for lemon filling): The star of the show! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled juice, as it lacks the same zing.
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Lemon Zest (for lemon filling): Amplifies the lemon flavor and adds a fragrant aroma. Use a microplane to zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• 30g (¼ cup) All-Purpose Flour (for lemon filling): Helps to thicken the lemon filling and create a smooth consistency.
• 100g (½ cup) Fresh Strawberries, hulled (for strawberry-basil swirl): Adds a beautiful color and sweet, fruity flavor to the swirl. Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best taste.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Lemon Juice (for strawberry-basil swirl): Brightens the strawberry flavor and helps to balance the sweetness.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Honey (for strawberry-basil swirl): Adds a natural sweetness and helps to create a smooth puree.
• 4 Fresh Basil Leaves, finely chopped (for strawberry-basil swirl): Provides a unique herbaceous note that complements the strawberries and lemon beautifully.
• 80g (⅔ cup) All-Purpose Flour (for crumble topping): Forms the base of the crumble, providing structure and texture.
• 60g (⅓ cup) Rolled Oats (for crumble topping): Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the crumble.
• 60g (⅓ cup) Shredded Unsweetened Coconut, toasted (for crumble topping): Contributes a delightful tropical flavor and adds to the crumble’s crunch. Toasting the coconut enhances its flavor and aroma.
• 30g (¼ cup) Sliced Almonds, toasted (for crumble topping): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
• 60g (¼ cup) Packed Brown Sugar (for crumble topping): Adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps to create a soft, chewy crumble.
• 80g (⅓ cup) Unsalted Butter, melted (for crumble topping): Binds the crumble ingredients together and creates a golden-brown, crispy texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaf (garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma.
• Extra Toasted Coconut Flakes (garnish): Enhances the coconut flavor and adds a decorative touch.

Substitutions

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ¼ tsp.
• Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them well before blending.
• Fresh Basil: While fresh basil is highly recommended, a pinch of dried basil can be used in a pinch (about 1 tsp).
• Rolled Oats: Quick-cooking oats can be substituted, but the crumble will be less chewy.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line a 20x20cm (8×8 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling will make it incredibly easy to lift the finished bars out of the pan for cutting.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 150g flour, 30g sugar, and ¼ tsp salt. This evenly distributes the ingredients. Add the 115g of cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips (working quickly to keep the butter cold), or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter – this is key for a flaky crust. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 150g sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually whisk in the 120ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tbsp of lemon zest. The zest is crucial for a vibrant lemon flavor. Finally, gently fold in the 30g of flour. Whisk until the filling is smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher filling.
4. Make the Strawberry-Basil Swirl: In a blender or food processor, combine the 100g hulled strawberries, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 4 finely chopped basil leaves. Blend until completely smooth. For a perfectly smooth swirl, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the strawberry seeds. This step is optional, but it improves the texture.
5. Assemble and Swirl: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the strawberry-basil puree randomly across the surface of the lemon filling. Take a thin skewer or knife and gently swirl the puree into the lemon filling, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Avoid over-swirling, as this can muddy the colors.
6. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the 80g flour, 60g rolled oats, 60g toasted coconut, 30g toasted almonds, and 60g packed brown sugar. Stir well to combine. Pour in the 80g melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Ensure the butter is evenly distributed for a consistent crumble texture.
7. Add Crumble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the swirled lemon layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble is golden brown. The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center, but not liquid.
8. Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set further. Then, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or longer) for clean cuts. Chilling is essential for firming up the bars and making them easier to slice.
9. Cut, Garnish, and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars of your desired size. Plate on a white serving plate for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle any remaining strawberry-basil puree around the bars, dust with extra toasted coconut flakes, and place a fresh basil leaf on each bar for a pop of color. Serve at room temperature.

The Science Behind the Swirl: Why Strawberry and Basil Complement Lemon

The combination of lemon, strawberry, and basil isn’t just delicious – it’s scientifically sound! Lemon’s acidity is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of strawberries. Basil, surprisingly, contains compounds that enhance the fruity notes of strawberries while also complementing the citrusy aroma of lemon. The linalool in basil interacts with the limonene in lemon, creating a more complex and fragrant flavor profile. This isn’t just a happy accident; it’s a flavor pairing rooted in aromatic chemistry. The swirl technique isn’t just for aesthetics either; it ensures that each bite delivers a harmonious blend of all three flavors.

Tips for the Perfect Crumble Topping

A truly exceptional crumble topping is all about texture. To achieve that perfect balance of crumbly and slightly chewy, a few key techniques are essential. First, toasting the coconut and almonds before adding them to the crumble mixture intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Second, using melted butter, rather than softened, ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly coated, creating a cohesive crumble. Finally, don’t overmix the crumble! You want to maintain distinct crumbs, not a paste. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tiny bit more melted butter, one teaspoon at a time.

Choosing the Best Lemons

The quality of your lemons significantly impacts the flavor of these bars. Look for lemons that are heavy for their size, indicating they are full of juice. The skin should be smooth and brightly colored. Meyer lemons, if available, offer a slightly sweeter and less acidic flavor, which can be a lovely variation. Always zest the lemons *before* juicing them, as zesting becomes much more difficult once the lemon has been juiced. And remember, fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable – bottled juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of brightness and flavor.

Storing Your Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer storage. If you’re stacking the bars, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars also freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different berries?

Yes! Raspberries or blueberries would also be delicious in this recipe. Adjust the honey amount to taste depending on the sweetness of the berries.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the crust up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

What if I don’t have toasted coconut?

Untoasted coconut will still work, but toasting it brings out a richer, more complex flavor. You can toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.

Conclusion

These Lemon Crumb Bars with Strawberry Basil Swirl are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The bright, tangy lemon filling, the sweet strawberry-basil swirl, and the crunchy crumble topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later! Save to Pinterest!

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