Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Bars – Sweet Summer Delight

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the ultimate sweet treat, bursting with juicy strawberries and creamy goodness. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery base that crumbles ever so slightly, revealing layers of luscious whipped cream and vibrant strawberry slices. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to do a happy dance right in your kitchen.

Every time I make Strawberry Shortcake Bars, I’m transported back to summer picnics with my family. Those sunny afternoons, laughter resonating as we devoured these delightful treats, truly created lasting memories. There’s something special about enjoying this dessert during warm-weather gatherings or even just as a midweek pick-me-up.

I vividly remember the first time I made these bars for a family reunion you could hear the collective “wow” when everyone took their first bite.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, bright red berries that smell fragrant they’re perfect for sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bars their structure measure carefully for the best results.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
• Baking Powder: A must for helping the bars rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for the crust it helps create that tender texture we all love.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Perfect for making that rich and fluffy topping it’s a game-changer
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates everything to another level of deliciousness.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepping these Strawberry Shortcake Bars is like preparing a sweet hug in dessert form. Let’s dive in

Prepare Your 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 to ensure easy removal.

Create the Base Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended this step sets up the foundation for our tasty bars.

Add Butter and Mix Well: Cut in softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want those buttery bits scattered throughout trust me, it’s worth it.

Press Into Your Pan: Take that crumbly goodness and press it firmly into your prepared pan evenly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown your kitchen will smell divine

Prepare Strawberries While Baking: While your base layer bakes, wash and slice fresh strawberries into thin pieces. Toss them with a tablespoon of sugar so they release their juices yum

Make Whipped Cream Topping: In another bowl, beat heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes it’s fluffy cloud magic

Assemble Your Bars: Once your base layer has cooled slightly, spread those sweetened strawberries over it evenly. Then dollop on that heavenly whipped cream topping be generous

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate your assembled bars for at least an hour before slicing this helps everything set beautifully together.

Enjoy every last crumb of these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars they’re perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve something sweet today

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars efficiently, start by preheating your oven and preparing your crust while it heats. Bake the crust first, then whip up the filling as it cools.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with different extracts or add lemon zest for extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best flavor, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.

I remember making these Strawberry Shortcake Bars for my sister’s birthday party last year. Everyone was raving about them I had to share my secret recipe because they were gone in minutes.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

Yes, but fresh strawberries yield better flavor and texture in these bars.

How long do Strawberry Shortcake Bars last in the fridge?

These delicious bars can last up to five days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Bars.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Strawberry Shortcake Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 9 bars 1x

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Description

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful, creamy dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With a buttery base layered with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, these bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a sweet treat just for you. Easy to make and even more enjoyable to eat, they promise to bring joy and nostalgia to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
5. While baking, toss sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar.
6. In another bowl, beat heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
7. Once the base cools slightly, layer the strawberries on top followed by the whipped cream.
8. Refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg