Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

When summer comes, I can’t help but think of fresh strawberries and warm days spent outside. One of my favorite childhood memories is picking ripe strawberries and then transforming them into delightful treats in the kitchen. One such treat that always brings a smile is strawberry shortcake. This recipe is a quick and simple way to enjoy that classic dessert. With layers of sweet strawberries and a buttery crust, these bars hold a special place in my heart. They are perfect for sharing at picnics or enjoying on a lazy afternoon. What’s great about these Strawberry Shortcake Bars is their ease of preparation, making them a go-to recipe for satisfying that sweet craving without too much fuss.

why make this recipe

You should make this recipe because it combines the fresh taste of strawberries with a delicious buttery crust. It’s a simple dessert that doesn’t require a lot of time or complicated steps. Whether for a gathering, a family treat, or simply to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. They are also adaptable to suit your taste, allowing you to add your own twist if you wish.

how to make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 2 cups Fresh Strawberries
• 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Reserved Crumb Mixture
• Optional Garnishes

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared pan to form an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Wash and hull the strawberries, then chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix with sugar and flour.
6. Spread the strawberry mixture over the baked crust, and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
7. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden brown.
8. Let the bars cool completely. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and cut into squares for serving.

how to serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Serve these Strawberry Shortcake Bars at room temperature for the best flavor. You can enjoy them plain, or add a scoop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh mint for a touch of elegance. They also make a wonderful dessert for parties and picnics.

how to store Strawberry Shortcake Bars

To store your Strawberry Shortcake Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to three months in the freezer.

tips to make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

• Make sure to mix the crust just until combined to keep it tender.
• Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor; the riper the strawberries, the sweeter the bars.
• Feel free to customize the glaze by adding a touch of lemon juice for a hint of tartness.

variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by using other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, instead of strawberries. You might also try adding a layer of cream cheese between the crust and the fruit for a richer taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them before mixing with sugar and flour.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the glaze may not be as rich.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance. Just store them properly, and they will taste great.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars

A quick and simple dessert combining fresh strawberries with a buttery crust, perfect for picnics and lazy afternoons.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Softened

For the filling

• 2 cups Fresh Strawberries Washed and hulled, chopped
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar For mixing with strawberries
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour For mixing with strawberries
• 1 cup Reserved Crumb Mixture From the crust preparation

For the glaze

• 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Optional Garnishes

• Whipped Cream
• Fresh Mint

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared pan to form an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Filling Preparation

1. Wash and hull the strawberries, then chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix with sugar and flour.
2. Spread the strawberry mixture over the baked crust, and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
3. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden brown.
4. Let the bars cool completely.

Glaze Preparation

1. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Serve these bars at room temperature. They can be enjoyed plain or with whipped cream and fresh mint. Store in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature, or refrigerate for about a week. Frozen bars can last up to three months.