Strawberry Shortcake Bars are like a summer hug in dessert form. Picture this: a buttery, crumbly base layered with luscious strawberries and topped with a cloud of whipped cream that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. The moment you lift a bar, the aroma of fresh strawberries wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist taking that first bite. You can almost hear the delightful crunch as you sink your teeth into these heavenly treats.
I remember the first time I made Strawberry Shortcake Bars for a picnic they vanished faster than you can say “pass the dessert” Friends raved about them, claiming they were the highlight of our sunny day outdoors. Now, I whip these up for every summer gathering because nothing screams “it’s warm outside” quite like these bars. Trust me once you taste them, you’ll be daydreaming of sun-soaked afternoons and laughter-filled picnics.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their vibrant colors and textures make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet strawberries and creamy whipped topping, creating an unforgettable flavor experience
- Perfect for picnics, parties, or cozy nights in with friends
I still chuckle when I think about how my niece insisted on adding sprinkles to her slice, declaring it “extra fancy.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use this common kitchen staple for the perfect base it’s versatile and works wonders in baking.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances flavors beautifully adjust according to your taste preference.
- Baking Powder: A must-have for fluffy texture ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors don’t skip it
- Unsalted Butter: Use chilled butter for that crumbly texture cut it into small cubes before mixing.
- Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe strawberries their sweetness shines through and adds vibrant color.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for that dreamy topping whip until soft peaks form for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic boost that elevates every layer of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create the Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This step sets a solid foundation for your bars.
Add the Butter: Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep some chunks for added texture.
Press into the Baking Dish: Reserve about one cup of this mixture. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking dish evenly to create a sturdy base.
Add Strawberries: Layer sliced strawberries evenly over the base. Feel free to sprinkle some sugar over them if they’re feeling shy
Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the strawberries generously. This will create a delightful crunchy topping as it bakes.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point
Cool and Serve with Whipped Cream : Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Whip heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form serve atop each bar generously.
Now grab your favorite fork (or maybe just another slice) and enjoy these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or even during a quiet evening at home when you need that little something sweet after dinner.
You Must Know
- Strawberry Shortcake Bars are not just a dessert they’re a celebration in every bite
- The combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy cream, and buttery shortcake will make your taste buds dance
- Perfect for summer gatherings, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the shortcake base while the oven preheats to 350°F. Bake until golden brown, then cool before layering with strawberries and whipped cream.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for any berry you love A sprinkle of lemon zest can enhance flavors beautifully, or add a splash of vanilla for extra decadence.
Storing & Reheating
Store Strawberry Shortcake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the best texture, enjoy them cold no reheating needed
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor they truly make this dessert shine
- Make sure to cool the shortcake completely before adding toppings to avoid sogginess
- Don’t skip the whipped cream it’s essential for that traditional strawberry shortcake experience
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her strawberry shortcakes were legendary. Friends would always request them at summer picnics it felt like an unspoken tradition that brought us all together.
FAQ
What type of strawberries should I use for Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your bars.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base a day in advance and layer it just before serving.
How do I prevent my shortcake from getting soggy?
Ensure your shortcake is completely cooled before adding strawberries and whipped cream layers.
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful summer treat that combines a buttery crumb base, fresh strawberries, and a luscious whipped cream topping. Perfect for picnics and gatherings, these bars are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With each bite, you’ll experience the sweet flavor of ripe strawberries complemented by creamy goodness. This dessert is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (chilled, cubed)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture and press the rest into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer sliced strawberries over the base and sprinkle reserved crumbs on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly at the edges.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Whip heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form; serve on top of each bar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
