Easy Chocolate Strawberry Crumb Bars

Ingredients

• 113 g Unsalted Butter (melted; can melt in pot or microwave)
• 160 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 43 g Dutch Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
• 113 g Cane Sugar (granulated)
• 113 g Light Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
• 9 oz Strawberry Jam (store‑bought or homemade; about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (for thickening jam)
• 142 g Powdered Sugar (sifted)
• 2 tbsp Water (can substitute milk for a richer glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

2. Melt Butter

   Melt 113 g of unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat or in the microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring until fully liquid.

   Time: PT2M

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl whisk together 160 g all‑purpose flour, 43 g Dutch cocoa powder, 113 g cane sugar, and 113 g light brown sugar until evenly blended.

   Time: PT3M

4. Add Butter and Vanilla

   Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture, add 1 tsp vanilla extract, and stir with a spatula or hands until no dry flour bits remain. The dough will be crumbly.

   Time: PT3M

5. Reserve Topping Crumble

   Scoop out approximately ½ cup of the dough and set it aside in a small bowl for the topping later.

   Time: PT2M

6. Press Crust into Pan

   Line an 8×8‑inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the remaining dough to the pan and press firmly with your hands or the back of a measuring cup to form an even layer.

   Time: PT2M

7. Partial Bake Crust

   Bake the crust for 15 minutes at 350°F. This sets the base without fully cooking it, keeping it crisp after the jam layer.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 350°F

8. Prepare Jam Filling

   While the crust bakes, combine 9 oz strawberry jam with 1 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until the starch is fully dissolved.

   Time: PT4M

9. Add Jam Layer

   Remove the pan from the oven, spread the jam mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.

   Time: PT3M

10. Add Crumble Topping

    Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the jam layer, breaking it up so it covers the surface evenly.

    Time: PT2M

11. Second Bake

    Return the pan to the oven and bake for 28 minutes at 350°F, or until the topping is set and lightly golden.

    Time: PT28M

    Temperature: 350°F

12. Prepare Glaze

    While the bars finish baking, whisk 142 g sifted powdered sugar with 2 tbsp water (or milk) in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness with extra sugar or water as needed.

    Time: PT5M

13. Cool and Glaze

    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan (about 30 minutes). Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, then cut into nine equal squares.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g