Strawberry Streusel Bars

These bars have a buttery crust, fruity strawberry layer and a crumbly, nutty topping. They're not too sweet and perfect for either breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day.  

Using a combination of jarred strawberry preserves and fresh strawberries, these bars are chock full of strawberries. I love the buttery crust which can hold it's own without crumbling. The crust mixture is also used for the topping and when baked, it comes out crunchy and nutty, allowing the pecans to shine through. If you're not a strawberry fan, you can probably use other fruits as well including blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries! 

2 cups butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

1 cup strawberry preserves

1 cup chopped fresh strawberries 

In a large mixing bowl beat butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour and the pecans (mixture will be crumbly). Set aside 2 cups of the pecan mixture. Press the remaining pecan mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.  

In a medium bowl, combine the preserves and fresh strawberries. Spread the mixture to within 1/2 inch of the edges of the crust. Sprinkle reserved pecan mixture on top of preserves mixture.  

Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Makes 48 bars.

http://joelens.blogspot.com/2011/08/strawberry-streusel-bars.html