Imagine diving into a sun-soaked dish of Strawberry Shortcake Bars, where each bite is a delightful balance of sweet strawberries and rich creaminess. The aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with buttery goodness will have your taste buds dancing faster than you can say “yum.”

These bars are not just a treat for the palate but also a nostalgic journey back to sunny picnics and family gatherings, where laughter fills the air and dessert is the highlight. With their vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, they make every occasion sweeter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any baking novice
- The burst of fresh strawberry flavor combined with creamy layers will leave your taste buds celebrating
- Visually stunning, they are sure to impress at any gathering or picnic
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, these bars can be customized with your favorite berries or toppings
I still remember the first time I made these bars my friends devoured them in minutes, leaving me wondering if I’d ever get a piece
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor they should smell sweet and look vibrant.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness and adds richness to the crust.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and balances out the tartness of the strawberries.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base ensure it’s sifted for a lighter texture in your bars.
- Baking Powder: Helps your bars rise slightly for that perfect cake-like texture.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping cream makes for an indulgent topping that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors opt for pure extract if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Create the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and flour until crumbly. Mix it well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Press Down the Crust: Spread half of your crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to press it down firmly you want a solid base.
Add Fresh Strawberries: Slice your fresh strawberries and layer them generously over the crust. Feel free to sprinkle some sugar on top for extra sweetness.
Add Remaining Crust Mixture: Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the strawberries, covering them loosely. This creates that delicious contrasting texture on top.
Bake it Up: Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as they bake
Once baked, allow these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars to cool before slicing into squares and serving with whipped cream on top because why not add more creaminess?
Enjoy every last bite as you savor this delightful treat
You Must Know
- These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful treat that combines juicy strawberries with creamy goodness
- The texture is perfectly balanced, giving you both crunch and softness
- They are the ideal dessert for summer gatherings or a cozy evening at home, promising to impress everyone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your strawberries while the crust bakes. This ensures maximum flavor infusion and an easy assembly later.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy chilled or let them sit at room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor, as they bring natural sweetness
- Make sure to chill the bars well to allow them to set properly
- Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for an unexpected zesty kick that brightens up the flavors
Sharing these Strawberry Shortcake Bars with friends led to rave reviews and requests for seconds they just disappeared faster than I could serve them
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Yes, but fresh strawberries yield better flavor and texture in this recipe.
How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days without losing freshness.
What if I don’t have graham crackers for the crust?
You can substitute with digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different twist.
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Dive into the bliss of Strawberry Shortcake Bars, where succulent strawberries meet a creamy, buttery base for an unforgettable dessert. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, each bite evokes memories of sunny picnics and joyful gatherings. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these bars are sure to impress at any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and flour until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Layer sliced strawberries over the crust; sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Crumble remaining crust mixture on top of strawberries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing; serve with whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using a splash of lemon zest or swapping strawberries for your favorite berries. Chill the bars well to enhance their texture and set properly.