If you’re looking for a sweet, fruity, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for summer, look no further than these strawberry shortcake bars. This easy-to-make dessert combines the flavors of buttery shortcake and fresh strawberries in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet to enjoy with a cup of tea. The texture is light and tender, and the addition of fresh strawberries gives them a burst of fruity goodness. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible treat!
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Why These Strawberry Shortcake Bars Are So Irresistible
These strawberry shortcake bars have become a fan-favorite for several reasons. The buttery shortcake base is soft and crumbly, while the juicy strawberries add a fresh burst of flavor. The layers come together effortlessly to create a dessert that is both simple and indulgent.
Some of the reasons why these bars stand out include:
- Easy to make and serve: Unlike traditional shortcake, these bars don’t require any layering or fuss.
- Perfect for sharing: They are easy to slice, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or picnics.
- Customizable: You can add other fruits, flavorings, or toppings to make them your own.
- Make ahead: They can be baked in advance, saving you time on the day of the event.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare these scrumptious strawberry shortcake bars:
- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the shortcake base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances the overall flavor.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness to the shortcake base.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the shortcake, giving it a soft, tender texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
For the filling:
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient of these bars, providing a burst of fruity flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Optional, for sweetening the strawberries.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling and keeps the bars from being too runny.
For the topping (optional):
- Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping: Adds a creamy finish to the bars.
- White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar: Optional garnish for extra flair.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Berries: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
- Jam: If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can use strawberry jam for the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Make the shortcake base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will be thick, which is perfect for creating a soft, sturdy base.
- Layer the batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter into the bottom of the prepared baking pan in an even layer.
- Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and sugar (if using) to enhance their flavor and help thicken the filling. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the batter.
- Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the strawberry layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover the strawberries completely—this will create a beautiful, rustic look.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and top: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Shortcake Bar Texture and Flavor
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the bars tough. Mix until just combined.
- Juicy strawberries: If your strawberries are very juicy, let them sit on paper towels to absorb excess moisture before using them in the filling.
- Cooling: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
- Chill before slicing: For cleaner edges and a more polished presentation, chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting them.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Bars
These strawberry shortcake bars are versatile, and there are many ways to change up the recipe to suit your taste.
- Berry Blend: Add a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a colorful twist.
- Strawberry Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Swirl a cream cheese mixture into the batter for a creamy, cheesecake-inspired version.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the bars for a decadent touch.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Bars
To store these bars:
- Room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, especially if you’ve topped them with whipped cream.
- Freezing: Let the bars cool completely. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Strawberry Shortcake Bars
These strawberry shortcake bars are everything you love about the classic dessert but in an easy-to-serve bar form. With a tender, buttery base and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, with whipped cream, or with a drizzle of chocolate, they’re sure to become a favorite dessert in your home.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion. With a buttery shortcake base, juicy strawberries, and a simple, yet satisfying finish, they’re an easy treat to prepare and share. Whether you serve them at a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or just for a weekend treat, these bars are bound to impress everyone. The versatility of this recipe also allows you to experiment with various flavors and toppings, ensuring that you’ll enjoy this classic dessert year-round. Try them out, and we’re sure they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s important to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but frozen ones work as a substitute in a pinch.
2. Can I make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these bars gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavors will still be delicious.
3. How do I prevent the strawberry filling from making the bars soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to drain any excess juice from the strawberries. You can also toss them in cornstarch, which will help thicken the filling and prevent excess moisture from soaking into the shortcake base.
More Relevant Recipes
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Strawberry Shortcake Bars: A Perfect Summer Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars offer the perfect blend of buttery shortcake and fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and more. With a tender cake base, fresh strawberry filling, and optional whipped cream topping, these bars are a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping (optional)
- White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will be thick.
- Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
- Toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and sugar (if using). Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the strawberry layer. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover completely—this will create a beautiful, rustic look.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Top with whipped cream or powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh strawberries. If using frozen, thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture.
- Chill the bars before slicing for clean edges and a more polished presentation.
- If you prefer a tangy variation, add lemon zest to the batter or mix in a swirl of cream cheese.
- These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
