Strawberry Basil Crumb Bars

I love basil, which is why I have committed to never owning another basil plant. It’s just too painful to watch them enter the house with bright hopes and green leaves, only to see them quickly wither and die under my not-so-watchful eye.

I have the best of intentions, I do…but maybe potted basil hot Southern California sun my balcony my forgetfulness are not the best combination. After chucking one too many shriveled-up husks of basil plants into the trash, I’ve decided I’m strictly a buy-it-by-the-bunch sort of girl, at least until I can be trusted with the task of watering them responsibly. RIP, good buddies.

I put some of that store-bought and oh-so-healthy basil to good use in these Strawberry Basil Crumb Bars. They look simple—and they are easy to make!—but they’re packed with different flavors: strawberry preserves, fresh strawberries, lemon zest, and fresh basil. They’re light and summery, perfect for picnics and alfresco dinners and eating cold from the refrigerator when you intended to have fresh fruit instead…whoops.

I don’t think you can ever go wrong with combining strawberries and basil, but if the thought makes you nervous, you are a) a wussy who could use some adventure in your life and b) welcome to sub in fresh mint leaves instead, or leave out the herbs entirely. The strawberry and lemon will still be all up in your bars, making them taste amazing.

The genius of this recipe is that although it’s 3 layers, the top and bottom layer are made from the same base recipe, so it’s really like you’re making 2 layers. And if one of those layers is basically jam and berries, it’s really more like 1.5 layers. See, these bars practically make themselves while you paint your nails and/or watch your summer television show of choice. It’s a good life.

You all know I’m usually a chocolate sort of girl, but these bars made me a believer in the power of the berry. (Buuuut if you did want to throw in some chocolate, I’m sure a handful of mini chips wouldn’t be a bad addition either.) Let’s give summer a big bear hug and stuff our desserts with all the fresh produce & flavors we can find. Happy baking!

⇒ Click Here for the Recipe - Strawberry Basil Crumb Bars

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