Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe | Easy Strawberry Bars

Why You'll Love This Delicious Dessert

• Easy to Make. Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe a breeze!
• Perfect Balance of Flavors. A buttery shortbread base, luscious strawberry filling, and crumbly topping create a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
• Great for Any Occasion. These bars are ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, or as a sweet treat with coffee.
• Customizable. Use fresh or frozen strawberries, swap the crust, or even make them gluten-free!

With their vibrant color and irresistible taste, these Strawberry Shortcake Bars will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a picnic or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try!

Strawberry Shortcake Bars take the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake and turn them into a convenient, sliceable dessert.

Instead of assembling layers of biscuits, cream, and berries, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy strawberry filling, and a sweet crumble topping.

The result? A portable, easy-to-serve dessert that tastes just like the beloved classic!

Ingredients You'll Need

Shortbread Crust

• Unsalted Butter- Adds richness and moisture, giving the crust a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.Ensures the shortbread base holds together without being too dry.
• Granulated Sugar- Provides sweetness while allowing the buttery flavor to shine. Helps create a light crispness in the shortbread crust.
• All-Purpose Flour- Forms the base structure of the crust, giving it stability and a delicate crunch. Absorbs moisture from the butter to create a tender yet sturdy texture.
• Salt- Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor of the crust. Brings out the depth of flavors in the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract- Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the shortbread and complements the strawberries.

Strawberry Filling

• Fresh Strawberries- The main ingredient, providing natural sweetness, juiciness, and color. Creates a jammy texture when baked, making the bars flavorful and vibrant.
• Granulated Sugar- Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices for a soft, luscious filling. Enhances the natural sweetness of the berries.
• Cornstarch- Acts as a thickener, preventing the strawberry filling from becoming too runny. Ensures the bars hold their shape and don’t get soggy.
• Lemon Juice- Brightens the flavor of the strawberries, making them taste more vibrant and fresh. Balances the sweetness with a slight tangy contrast.

Topping and Garnish

• All-Purpose Flour- Forms the base of the streusel topping, giving it a crumbly texture. Absorbs some of the butter to create the perfect golden, crunchy finish.
• Granulated Sugar- Adds sweetness to the topping and caramelizes slightly when baked, enhancing the texture.
• Unsalted Butter- Helps create the crumbly, streusel-like texture for the topping. Adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the shortbread and strawberry filling.
• Whipped cream- A light, airy topping that balances the richness of the bars. Adds a creamy contrast to the buttery crust and fruity filling.
• Fresh strawberries- Enhances the presentation and flavor by adding a pop of fresh fruit. Complements the baked strawberry filling with a bright, juicy bite.

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add the flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries become soft (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading over the shortbread crust.
3. Prepare the Crumb Topping. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly and sand-like in texture. Sprinkle evenly over the strawberry filling.
4. Bake to Perfection. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and best texture.
5. Garnish and Serve. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving for an extra-special touch.

Tips And Tricks

Want to ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Bars turn out buttery, fruity, and perfectly textured every time? Follow these expert tips and tricks for a flawless dessert:

• Use Fresh Strawberries for the Best Flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch. This ensures the filling holds together instead of becoming runny.
• Let the Bars Cool Before Slicing. For neat, clean slices, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Refrigerating them for 30 minutes helps!
• Adjust the Sweetness. If your strawberries are extra sweet, reduce the sugar slightly. If they’re tart, add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.

Variations

Looking to put a twist on your Strawberry Shortcake Bars? Try these creative variations to customize the flavors, textures, and ingredients while keeping the essence of this classic dessert:

• Cheesecake Bars- Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese over the crust before adding the strawberry filling for a cheesecake-like version.
• Gluten-Free- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make them gluten-free.
• Strawberry Lemon- Add extra lemon zest to the filling and crust for a citrusy twist.
• Mixed Berry- Swap out half of the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry variation.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a sweet, fruity, and buttery dessert, making them versatile to pair with a variety of drinks, toppings, and complementary dishes. Here are some of the best ways to serve and enjoy them:

• Vanilla ice cream– For a cold and creamy contrast.
• A drizzle of white chocolate– For a touch of elegance.
• A glass of rosé or champagne– If serving for a special occasion.

How Long Do They Last?

Strawberry Shortcake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining their freshness and texture. The buttery shortbread crust holds up well, while the strawberry filling stays juicy and flavorful.

If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them before serving.

Can You Freeze Them?

To store for a longer period, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

More Sweet Treats

• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Crustless French Silk Pie
• Apple Upside Down Cake
• Keto Cream Cheese Brownies

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