Strawberry Shortcake Bars are like a sweet symphony for your taste buds, blending the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries with a buttery, crumbly base. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice where each bite transports you to a sun-soaked picnic, with birds chirping and laughter filling the air. It’s that delightful moment when the flavors dance together, creating an irresistible treat that screams summer.
These bars aren’t just a dessert they are a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Picture family gatherings where everyone fights over the last slice, or a sunny afternoon spent baking with loved ones. The aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with vanilla wafts through the house, making even the grumpiest of relatives crack a smile. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion
- The flavor is a delightful balance between sweet strawberries and buttery goodness
- Their vibrant colors create an eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at picnics, parties, or as an afternoon snack
One summer afternoon, I brought these Strawberry Shortcake Bars to a family reunion and witnessed my cousin’s eyes light up like it was Christmas morning when he took his first bite. His reaction made all the flour and butter worth it
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red berries that are firm to touch they should smell like pure sunshine.
- All-Purpose Flour: This staple helps create that perfect crumbly base for our bars.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Baking Powder: Gives our bars a light and fluffy texture don’t skip it
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter ensures a rich flavor room temperature works best for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this magic potion elevates flavors to heavenly heights.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the filling you can also whip it for an indulgent topping.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on top, adding sweetness without being overwhelming.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. Then add softened butter and blend until crumbly think sandy beach vibes in your bowl.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in vanilla extract and heavy cream. Mix gently until just combined avoid overmixing unless you want rubbery bars instead of tender ones.
Press into Pan: Spread two-thirds of this glorious mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. You want an even layer that will act as your delicious base.
Create Strawberry Filling: Slice fresh strawberries into quarters and toss them with sugar in another bowl. Let them sit for about 10 minutes this step releases their juicy goodness
Add Topping Layer: Layer the strawberry mixture on top of the crust, then crumble the remaining dough over it like you’re creating edible confetti. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top a lovely aroma will fill your kitchen
Let these beauties cool before slicing them into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy Now enjoy every delectable bite while making mental notes about how you’re definitely going to make these again soon
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake bars are easy to make and perfect for summer picnics
- The balance of sweet strawberries and creamy filling creates a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy
- Remember, fresh strawberries make all the difference in flavor and texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while preheating your oven for even baking. Bake until golden brown, then cool before adding the strawberry layer.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Experiment with different toppings too
Storing & Reheating
Store strawberry shortcake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They’re best served chilled and can be enjoyed straight from the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light
- Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner cuts and better presentation
- If you have leftovers, try crumbling them over yogurt for breakfast
Sharing a batch of these strawberry shortcake bars always brings back fond memories of summer cookouts with friends, where laughter mingled with sweet aromas wafting through the air.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry shortcake bars?
Yes, but fresh strawberries offer superior flavor and texture in this recipe.
How do I make my shortcake bars fluffier?
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and don’t overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients.
What’s the best way to slice strawberry shortcake bars?
For clean slices, chill the bars before cutting them into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful summer treat that combines the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with a buttery, crumbly base. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, each bite offers a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of sun-soaked afternoons. This easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and blend until crumbly.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until just combined.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the baking dish to form the crust.
- Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes. Layer over the crust.
- Crumble remaining dough on top of strawberries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
