Strawberry Basil Crumble Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

For the filling:

• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners' sugar for the crust. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it's lightly golden brown.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, chopped basil leaves, and cornstarch for the filling. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the berries to release their juice.
5. Arrange the strawberry mixture evenly over the baked crust.
6. To prepare the crumble topping, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Spread the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry filling.
8. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy!