There’s something magical about biting into a Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bar, where the sweet, juicy strawberries dance with creamy goodness atop a fluffy cake. Imagine a soft, buttery base that melts in your mouth, contrasted with the vibrant, fresh strawberries bursting with flavor it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm hug from your favorite person.
Every Mother’s Day, my family gathers to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, and these Strawberry Shortcake Bars have become the star of the show. Not only do they look stunning on the dessert table, but each bite also brings back memories of laughter and love shared over delicious food. Plus, who can resist the excitement of indulging in a sweet treat that feels like spring has sprung right into your mouth?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any baking novice
- With their delightful mix of flavors and textures, they are sure to impress everyone at your gathering
- Their beautiful presentation makes them visually appealing on any table, ensuring they catch everyone’s eye
- They are versatile enough to be enjoyed at picnics or simply as an afternoon snack for yourself
I remember one year when my daughter decided to take on the challenge of making these bars all by herself. The pride on her face when they came out of the oven was priceless especially when her younger brother declared it his “favorite dessert ever.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use a good quality flour it provides structure without being too dense for these light bars.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness consider using less if you prefer a less sugary treat.
- Baking Powder: This is crucial for fluffiness make sure it’s fresh for the best lift.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors beautifully don’t skip it
- Butter: Unsalted butter is essential here it allows control over your dish’s saltiness.
- Eggs: These add richness and moisture large eggs work best for even mixing.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a moist crumb feel free to substitute almond or oat milk if needed.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness wash and slice them just before use.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade whipped cream elevates this dessert just heavy cream whisked until light and fluffy will do
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. This helps ensure that your scrumptious bars come out easily without losing any precious bits.
Next up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they look like a fluffy cloud of dry ingredients ready to transform into something magical.
Moving on: In another bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then add eggs and milk to create an emulsion fit for kings (or just hungry kids). Stir until everything is combined smoothly it should look rich and creamy.
Now for some fun: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones using a spatula until just combined don’t overmix You want those lovely air pockets that will make your bars tender and light.
Pour half of this glorious batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then sprinkle those luscious sliced strawberries all over like confetti before pouring the remaining batter on top.
Finally: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone drooling
Once baked: Allow these beauties to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve them topped with generous dollops of whipped cream you know you want to Enjoy every bite after all, these Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are made with love (and maybe just a hint of mischief).
Content: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture, making your bars irresistible. I once used frozen berries, and let’s say, it was a berry sad day.
Tip 2: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth batter. I learned this the hard way when my shortcake turned out chunky and not in a good way.
Tip 3: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. I impatiently sliced into warm bars once, and trust me, it looked like a strawberry massacre.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the baking pan while mixing your batter. This sequence ensures everything flows smoothly and you don’t forget any steps.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits, like blueberries or peaches, depending on what’s in season. Each fruit brings its unique twist to the bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them longer, refrigerate and enjoy them chilled or gently reheat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars, use ripe strawberries for sweetness don’t rush cooling time and always measure ingredients accurately for best results
- Each tip ensures your dessert shines with deliciousness
Once, I made these bars for Mother’s Day brunch, and my mom declared it her favorite dessert ever Seeing her smile while indulging was priceless.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits for these strawberry shortcake bars?
Absolutely Blueberries or raspberries work wonderfully in this recipe too.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
A toothpick inserted should come out clean with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
Can I freeze these strawberry shortcake bars?
Yes Freeze them individually wrapped to keep their freshness for up to three months.
Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars, where fluffy cake meets sweet, juicy strawberries and luscious whipped cream. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for celebrating the special women in your life, bringing back cherished memories with every bite. Beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, these bars are sure to be the highlight of any gathering—whether it’s a festive brunch or a casual afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add eggs and milk; whisk until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, then layer sliced strawberries on top. Pour remaining batter over strawberries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving topped with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (85g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
