Experience the ultimate delight with these Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bars! Featuring a rich, buttery crust, a luscious, tangy sour cream filling, and a sweet burst of strawberry pie goodness, all crowned with a golden, crumbly topping. These easy-to-make bars are truly irresistible and destined to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to a cozy afternoon treat.
The Irresistible Charm of Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bars
There’s something uniquely comforting and utterly delicious about a well-made crumb bar. They strike the perfect balance between a hearty dessert and a delicate sweet treat, making them a favorite in many households. While classic fruit pies can be time-consuming, crumb bars offer all the wonderful flavors with significantly less effort. Today, we’re taking a beloved classic and elevating it with a delightful twist: the Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bar. This recipe combines the convenience of ready-made pie filling with a creamy, cheesecake-like sour cream layer, all nestled between a golden, buttery crust and a generous sprinkle of crunchy crumbs. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that promises pure dessert bliss.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Crumb Bars
These Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of simplicity and flavor. If you’re searching for an easy-to-make treat that still impresses, look no further. One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its versatility and convenience. Utilizing canned strawberry pie filling saves precious time without compromising on taste, making these bars perfect whether fresh strawberries are in season or you’re simply craving a sweet berry dessert in the dead of winter. The crust and crumb topping are made from the same simple mixture, meaning fewer dishes and a streamlined baking process. This dessert offers a wonderful contrast of textures: the tender, buttery base, the smooth and tangy sour cream layer, the soft fruit, and the irresistible crunchy topping. Each bite delivers a delightful experience, making them an instant crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite for those lazy afternoons or when you need a quick, delightful treat.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: What Makes These Bars Special?
The magic of these crumb bars lies in their perfectly balanced layers, each contributing to an unforgettable eating experience.
First, we have the **Crumbly Crust and Topping**. This single mixture serves a dual purpose, forming both the sturdy, buttery base and the irresistible, golden crumb topping. Made with a combination of flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and leavening agents, it bakes up to be tender yet firm enough to hold its shape, with a delicious hint of caramel from the brown sugar. The crumb topping adds a wonderful textural contrast, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the softer fillings.
Next is the **Creamy Sour Cream Filling**. This layer is the heart of the bar, offering a rich, velvety texture reminiscent of a mild cheesecake. Sour cream brings a delicate tang that cuts through the sweetness of the strawberry pie filling, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile. Combined with sugar, egg, and a touch of flour and vanilla, it bakes into a smooth, custardy layer that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Finally, the **Sweet Strawberry Pie Filling** adds a vibrant burst of fruity flavor. Spooned generously over the sour cream, the bright taste of strawberries creates an appealing visual swirl and a delightful juicy element within the creamy base. The pre-made filling ensures consistent sweetness and texture, making the preparation incredibly straightforward.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Crumb Bars
Creating these delightful bars requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled to room temperature): The foundation of our crust and topping. Using melted butter ensures easy mixing and a tender crumb. Cooling it prevents scrambling the egg if it were incorporated earlier and helps maintain the right texture for the dough.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a wonderful molasses-like flavor that deepens the taste of the crust and topping. It also contributes to the chewy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for both the crust and the crumbly topping. Measure it correctly to ensure the right consistency.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help create a slightly tender, airy crumb in the topping and contribute to the overall texture.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
For the Creamy Filling:
- Strawberry Pie Filling: The star fruit component. Using a ready-made can saves time and ensures a consistent sweet, fruity layer. You can, of course, substitute with homemade pie filling if you prefer.
- Sour Cream: The secret to the creamy, tangy, cheesecake-like middle layer. Full-fat sour cream will yield the richest results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sour cream layer, balancing its tanginess.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount is added to the filling to help thicken it and provide stability during baking.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the sour cream filling set into a smooth, custardy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the creamy filling, adding a warm, aromatic note.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Crumb Bars
These bars are incredibly easy to assemble, making them a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that will impress everyone.
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lightly greasing the sides and bottom, or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. This ensures your bars won’t stick and can be lifted out cleanly after cooling.
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the melted and cooled unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Mix with a fork or your hands until a crumbly dough forms. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed, but still crumbly.
- Reserve approximately ¾ cup of this mixture to use as the crumb topping later.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8-inch square pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a firm, compact crust. Set the pan aside.
For the Sour Cream Filling:
- In a separate large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the sour cream, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until uniform.
- Pour this creamy sour cream filling evenly over the pressed crust in the prepared pan. Spread it gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Carefully spoon the strawberry pie filling over the sour cream layer. You can leave it in distinct dollops or gently swirl it with a spoon for a marbled effect.
- Finally, sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of crumb mixture evenly over the top of the strawberry layer. This will form your delicious, crunchy topping.
Baking:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, as it will firm up upon cooling.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial for the bars to set properly and for easier, clean cutting.
- Once completely cooled (this might take a couple of hours), use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Tips for Success and Common Questions
Pro Tips for Perfect Crumb Bars
- Measure Accurately: Especially with flour, precise measurements make a difference in the texture of your crust and topping.
- Cooled Butter: Ensure your melted butter is cooled to room temperature before mixing with dry ingredients to avoid a greasy dough or issues with the leavening agents.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the crumb dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher crust. For the sour cream filling, mix until smooth, but avoid incorporating too much air.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! These bars need to cool entirely for the filling to set and for clean, easy slicing. Rushing this step can result in messy bars.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper (with an overhang) is a game-changer for easy removal and clean-up.
Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries?
While this recipe specifically calls for canned strawberry pie filling for convenience, you can absolutely experiment with fresh or frozen strawberries. If using fresh or frozen, you would typically need to prepare a homemade pie filling first by cooking them down with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to achieve the right consistency and sweetness. Alternatively, you could lightly sweeten and thicken fresh berries with a little sugar and flour/cornstarch, but ensure they are cooked down enough to prevent excessive moisture in the bars. Remember, the moisture content will be higher, so baking time might need slight adjustment.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
If sour cream isn’t available, full-fat Greek yogurt can be a good substitute. It will offer a similar tang and thickness, though the texture might be slightly different. For a richer alternative, cream cheese could also be used, but you might need to adjust the sugar content slightly as cream cheese is less tangy than sour cream.
Can I use other pie fillings?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, or any other fruit pie filling you enjoy. Each variation will bring its own unique flavor profile, making this a recipe you can revisit with endless possibilities. Just ensure the consistency of the alternative pie filling is similar to strawberry for best results.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bars should be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent the sour cream filling from spoiling. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Bake them as directed, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, you can let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes, or enjoy them chilled. The crumb topping might lose a tiny bit of its initial crispness after refrigeration, but the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Freezing: For longer storage, these bars can be frozen. Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Beyond Strawberries: Endless Crumb Bar Variations
While strawberry is undeniably delicious, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t limit yourself! Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of crumb bars:
- Cherry Bliss: Swap strawberry pie filling for cherry pie filling for a classic, tangy-sweet combination.
- Blueberry Lemon Zest: Use blueberry pie filling and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sour cream layer for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Apple Cinnamon Comfort: Opt for apple pie filling and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for a cozy, autumnal feel.
- Peach Pecan Dream: Use peach pie filling and mix some finely chopped pecans into the crumb topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Try pineapple or mango pie filling for an exotic flair.
Feel free to get creative with spices, nuts, or even a drizzle of glaze after baking and cooling. The possibilities are truly endless!
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Accompaniment
These Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bars are wonderful on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them even further. For an indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal afternoon snack or a delightful ending to any meal. Their vibrant color and layered texture make them a visually appealing dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying with family.
Explore More Delightful Fruit Dessert Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these crumb bars and are eager for more fruity confections, we have a collection of recipes perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth:
- Best Apple Crumb Cake
- Cranberry Pie
- Strawberry Crumble
- Apple Dump Cake from Scratch
For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Dessert Category. We’re always adding new favorites!
If you create this delightful recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo on INSTAGRAM and tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your delicious creation and leave a comment!
Recipe Card
Strawberry Pie Sour Cream Crumb Bars
Author: Anna
Creamy sour cream filling and sweet strawberry pie filling encased in a perfect brown sugar crust and crumb topping. Make this dessert to enjoy on a lazy afternoon or anytime you want an easy, quick, and delightful treat!
Recipe adapted from Sour Cream Crumb Bars on CrunchyCreamySweet.com
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 9 squares
Calories: 303 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- ½ c unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temperature
- ½ c light brown sugar
- 1.5 c all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1 c strawberry pie filling (or any kind you like)
- ½ c sour cream
- ¼ c granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Prepare an 8-inch square pan by greasing the sides and bottom or lining with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make Crust and Topping Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Add the ½ cup melted and cooled butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Form the Crust: Reserve about ¾ cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Prepare Sour Cream Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the sour cream filling evenly over the pressed crust. Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the sour sour cream layer. Gently make a few swirls with a spoon if desired.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of crumb mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Cut: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Use any pie filling you like. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature for easier and cleaner cutting. For best texture, refrigerate before serving.
Nutrition Information (per square)
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 91mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 5.7mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment with your rating below!