Looking for more thoughtful ways to show you care? Sometimes the kindest gift is something they can enjoy later, like this easy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Mix in a jar. It’s a sweet surprise that’s simple to make, gluten- and dairy-free friendly, and perfect for sharing. Whether you bake a batch yourself or layer the ingredients in a jar with a printable label (included with the recipe!), this thoughtful treat is ready whenever they need a little comfort.

I recently made a batch for my family using Namaste gluten-free flour and Country Crock plant-based butter, and they were a hit. The bars cut beautifully, hold their shape, and look so pretty, making them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re adding a sweet touch to a meal, delivering dinner to a friend, or just craving something sweet, these bars are a winner.

What You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Crumb Bars

For the Crust & Topping

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour – I used Namaste brand, which has xanthan gum )
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes (plant based for dairy-free)

For the Filling

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced and chopped (or fresh blueberries)

How to Make Strawberry Crumb Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. I found the bars easy to remove, but for extra assurance, you can line the greased pan with parchment paper and give it another light spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add the egg mixture and cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. I like using my hands—it’s quick, easy, and creates a well-mixed crumb topping.
5. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. In another bowl, toss the strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together until the berries are evenly coated.
7. Spread the berry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
8. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Let the bars cool for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you like them warm, just pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

A Perfect Dessert to Share

These strawberry crumb bars are company-worthy when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re bringing a meal to a friend, pack these up with a small container of ice cream for an easy and thoughtful dessert.

They’re simple, delicious, and made to bring a little joy—just the kind of recipe I love at Caring Casseroles.

Let me know if you give them a try!

Related: One of my most requested recipes is these over-the-top peanut butter cookies. They’re rich, chewy, and naturally gluten- and dairy-free. A true crowd favorite—no one ever guesses they’re allergy-friendly!

Print

Strawberry Crumb Bars

Gluten-free strawberry crumb dessert that cuts clean and travels well—simple to bake and full of homemade comfort.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 27 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

For the crust and topping

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

For the filling

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced and chopped (or fresh blueberries)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. I found the bars easy to remove, but for extra assurance, you can line the greased pan with parchment paper and give it another light spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
• Add the egg mixture and cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. I like using my hands—it’s quick, easy, and creates a well-mixed crumb topping.
• Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• In another bowl, toss the strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together until the berries are evenly coated.
• Spread the berry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
• Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
• Let the bars cool for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you like them warm, just pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

Video

It’s easy to show up for our friends with a meal, a dessert, or even just a small gesture. Did you know you can send a free “thinking of you” card right from this site? Learn how to email or text a card and add a sweet touch to someone’s day.

The post Strawberry Crumb Bars – A Sweet Treat to Share appeared first on Caring Casseroles.