Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the dessert equivalent of a warm hug on a bright summer day. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery bar with luscious strawberries and whipped cream melting in your mouth. The sweet aroma wafts through your kitchen as you prepare to share these delightful treats with friends and family.

Every time I make Strawberry Shortcake Bars, I’m transported back to my childhood summers, where my family would gather for picnics filled with laughter and sunshine. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy night in, promising an amazing flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings
  • Their vibrant colors and fresh flavors create a visually stunning dessert that everyone will love
  • The combination of buttery crust, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream delivers an unbeatable taste sensation
  • Versatile enough to be served at any seasonal occasion, they can easily be adapted with different fruits or toppings

I remember the first time I made these bars my friends couldn’t stop raving about them They became my go-to dessert for every gathering since then.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour for the base it helps create that dreamy texture we all love.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the crust and filling perfectly adjust based on your sweetness preference.
  • Baking Powder: This ingredient gives the bars their lovely rise and lightness don’t skip it
  • Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors trust me, it makes a difference
  • Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness it should be softened for easy mixing.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries they bring vibrant color and flavor to your dessert.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: For that luxurious whipped topping don’t skimp on this creamy goodness
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to both the bars and the whipped cream pure perfection

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Make the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. Cut in softened butter using your fingers until crumbly think sandcastles at the beach

Press the Crust into Place: Transfer this crumbly mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly using your hands or a spatula until it’s even and smooth the base is key

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare that luscious strawberry filling.

Create the Strawberry Filling: Chop fresh strawberries into small pieces. Toss them with sugar in a bowl let them sit so they release their juices a sweet syrup will form.

Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: In another bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Don’t be tempted to eat it all before topping those bars it’s hard but worth it

Once you have followed these steps carefully, you’ll end up with beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Bars that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have one

Serve them chilled or at room temperature for best results Enjoy each bite as memories of summer days dance around your taste buds while everyone savors this delightful treat together.

You Must Know

  • Strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful summer treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a buttery crust
  • This recipe is simple, and the vibrant colors will make your dessert table pop
  • Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, these bars are sure to impress

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make strawberry shortcake bars efficiently, start by preheating your oven while preparing the crust. Bake it first, then cool it before layering with strawberries and whipped cream.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the strawberries for peaches or blueberries for a delicious twist. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover strawberry shortcake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best quality, enjoy them cold without reheating.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor frozen ones may make the bars soggy
  • Ensure you let the crust cool completely before adding toppings to maintain texture
  • When cutting, use a sharp knife for clean edges and presentation

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of summer barbeques with friends, where laughter was as sweet as these strawberry shortcake bars

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry shortcake bars?

Using fresh strawberries will yield better flavor and texture frozen can become mushy.

How do I make my whipped cream stiffer?

Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or cornstarch to stabilize your whipped cream.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices of strawberry shortcake bars.

Print
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Strawberry Shortcake Bars


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  • Author: Lena
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in the sweet nostalgia of summer with these Strawberry Shortcake Bars. With a buttery, crumbly crust topped with juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these bars are ideal for picnics, barbecues, or cozy evenings at home. Bring joy to your gatherings with this delightful dessert that will leave everyone craving more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
  5. Toss chopped strawberries with sugar in a bowl and let sit for juices to form.
  6. Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  7. Layer strawberries over the cooled crust, then spread whipped cream on top.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (80g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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