There’s something truly special about these Strawberry Shortcake Bars. The perfect balance of tender, buttery crumb and luscious, juicy strawberries creates a mouthwatering experience that beckons you for one more bite. Topped off with a discreet drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze, they are wonderfully indulgent and a staple in my kitchen especially during berry season. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon picnic or a cozy night in, these bars always find a way to warm my heart.
What I adore about this recipe is that it comes together surprisingly fast. You can whip up these delightful bars in just about an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. They’re versatile enough to be served as a bright finish to dinner or as a delightful afternoon snack, and any leftovers (if there are any!) keep beautifully in the fridge.
WHY I LOVE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS
I genuinely can’t get enough of Strawberry Shortcake Bars! They hit that sweet spot where ease meets elegance, leaving everyone impressed at the table. The flavor profile is an exciting dance of sugary sweetness from ripe strawberries combined with the rich buttery base. Plus, they’re incredibly easy and undeniably delicious—a true winner that you’ll want to make again and again!
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Strawberry Shortcake Bars truly lies in the harmony of simple, quality ingredients. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Core Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 ¾ cups (250g) ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: The foundation of our tender crumb.
- ⅓ cup (65g) GRANULATED SUGAR: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- 3 tablespoon (45g) PACKED LIGHT BROWN SUGAR: This little gem packs a mighty punch, enriching the flavor with a hint of caramel.
- ¾ cup (170g) SALTED BUTTER, MELTED: The rich, buttery flavor that elevates everything.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) PURE VANILLA EXTRACT: A must for that warm, fragrant undertone.
- 3 cups (400g) CHOPPED FRESH STRAWBERRIES: The star of the show; they create that juicy sweetness we crave!
- 2 tablespoon (25g) GRANULATED SUGAR: This will help release the natural juices of the strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon (9g) ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Coats the strawberries, helping to thicken up those lovely juices.
- ½ cup (60g) POWDERED SUGAR: For a sweet, light glaze that tops it all off perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) LIGHT OR HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM: Adds richness to our glaze for a beautiful finish.
- ¼ teaspoon PURE VANILLA EXTRACT: Just a touch more to tie everything together blissfully.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can try using a gluten-free blend for a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich. Want to switch things up? Consider using blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries—just keep an eye on the sweetness level. If you find your strawberries are a bit sour, adding in an extra teaspoon of sugar to the filling works wonders!
Timing is crucial: don’t skip letting the bars cool completely before glazing; it helps the icing hold its shape better. And remember, the beauty of this dish lies in how easy it is to make. Just take your time and enjoy the process!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- 8×8-inch square baking pan (or use a 9×9 for a thinner bar)
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Whisk (for that smooth glaze)
- Spatula (to press down the crust)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS
Let’s dive into creating this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, so follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time! We’re aiming for a soft, buttery base that perfectly showcases the strawberries.
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on each side for easy removal. This little tip makes lifting the bars out a breeze!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Next, in a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, especially of brown sugar. You want everything to be nice and well-blended.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, add the melted salted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir with a spoon until they start to come together, then use your fingertips to toss and form large crumbs. This step is key—you want that beautiful crumb texture!
Press and Bake the Crust
Take about two-thirds of this crust mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use floured hands and an offset spatula to smooth the surface. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set aside to cool slightly.
Coat the Strawberries
In another bowl, mix together the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour carefully to coat the fruit evenly. This will help prevent the strawberries from being too mushy!
Assemble the Layers
Spoon this strawberry mixture evenly over the slightly cooled baked crust layer in the pan. It’s so vibrant and inviting—it’s hard to resist!
Crumble and Bake Again
Crumble the remaining one-third of the crust mixture evenly on top of the strawberry layer. The strawberries will remain visible between crumbs, adding to the rustic charm. Bake again for about 30-35 minutes until the strawberry juices are bubbling and the crumb topping turns golden brown. We’re almost there!
Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here—let those flavors come together!
Whisk Up the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze will add a luscious finish to your bars.
Drizzle and Cut
Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Once glazed, cut into 12 bars and serve. Each slice is a decadent reminder of sunny days and delicious moments!
HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS
Leftover Strawberry Shortcake Bars keep well, staying delicious for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container. If you prefer to store them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. To enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, warm them up briefly in the microwave!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Don’t overmix the crumb mixture; you want it to stay crumbly!
- Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor—fresh is best!
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
- If you want to spice things up, toss in a dash of cinnamon into your crust mixture!
- For a touch of elegance, serve with freshly whipped cream on the side!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for that classic shortcake experience.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Try serving alongside some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade.
- For a special touch, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving.
This recipe brings joy not just in its deliciousness but in the simple act of sharing it with others. Happy baking, friends!
