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Oh my goodness, you guys! If you haven’t tried STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS yet, you are in for a delightful treat!! These bars are bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries nestled within a buttery, crumbly crust that will have you craving seconds (or thirds) before you even finish your first bite! I fell in love with strawberry shortcake bars after experimenting during a sunny afternoon in Austin, Texas, and let me tell you, it’s an experience that will stick with you like that sugary glaze sticks to your fingers!! You get the best of both worlds – they’re SIMPLE to make and absolutely DELICIOUS. Trust me, they will become a favorite among friends and family!!!
Imagine the SPECTACULAR aroma of fresh strawberries wafting through your kitchen as you make them—heavenly!!!
Why, you ask, will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways!!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Bars
There are so many reasons I adore these STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS, and I just can’t contain myself!!! First off, they are ridiculously easy to whip up, making them PERFECT for a last-minute gathering or a cozy family dessert night! Seriously, you can nail this recipe in a flash, and your guests will think you’re a culinary superhero!! Secondly, they’re utterly versatile! Want to switch up the berries? Go for blueberries or raspberries! This isn’t just a STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BAR recipe; it’s a super fun base you can make YOURS!
And can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous they are, all dressed up in creamy glaze?! Visually appealing desserts make everyone happier! Plus, this recipe is entirely customizable – you can control the sugar levels, or even go for gluten-free flour if that’s your jam! How awesome is that?! You’re pretty much the creator here!! 💪
And if you’re looking for something to delight the kiddos, these bars are IT! They’re sweet, fun, and easy to grab, making them a WIN for anyone’s lunchbox!
Did I mention how stress-free they are? Yep, you can prep them ahead of time. Be the experienced cook you were always meant to be! We’re making memories, people, and it all starts with these SCRUMPTIOUS BARS!!!
Ingredients to Gather
Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? You’ll need:
- 1 ¾ cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoon (45g) packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup (170g) salted butter, melted (OR add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (400g) chopped fresh strawberries (each strawberry quartered then halved)
- 2 tablespoon (25g) granulated sugar (for the strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon (9g) all-purpose flour (for the strawberries)
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) light or heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for the glaze)
Did you see all those luscious ingredients? I like to think of them as your toolbox for deliciousness!! Feel free to swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or add a dash of lemon zest to elevate your bars. And don’t skimp on the strawberries – I get mine at the local farmer’s market for that extra freshness! A little tip? Look for strawberries that are firm and fragrant—they’ll make a significant difference in flavor!
The Delicious Process Overview
Okay, here we go! Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C)! Then line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on both sides (this makes removal a breeze!). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt if you’re using unsalted butter. Mix it up until it’s all blended together like a happy little family! Add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, and stir until it starts forming crumbs. Don’t panic if it seems chunky – that’s the DREAMY texture we want!!
Now, grab about two-thirds of those crumbs and press them into the bottom of your prepared pan smoothly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool a smidge! In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Toss it gently to coat the strawberries, and then spoon that fabulous mixture evenly over your cooled crust!
Next, crumble the remaining crust mixture on top of those strawberries, leaving them peeking through like little jewels. Bake again for 30-35 minutes until those strawberry juices are bubbling away, and the topping is golden brown! Yay!! Once baked, let those gorgeous bars cool completely in the pan. While they’re cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until it’s silky smooth. Drizzle this heavenly glaze over your bars and—drumroll, please—CUT INTO 12 BARS!! You did it!!! Now go ahead and serve.
Tips & Tricks for Success
Alright, dear friends, here are some TIPS I learned along the way! First off, if you want to make these ahead of time, you totally CAN! Just store them in an airtight container after they’ve cooled, and they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that warm, cozy feel, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a cool treat! If you’re feeling fancy, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert!
Got leftovers? Not a problem! Try crumbling them over Greek yogurt in the morning for a delicious breakfast treat!! And if you’re cooking with kids, let them help with sprinkling the sugar on top of the strawberries! It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
How would you like to serve these beauties? I’ll tell you what I do! I love to share them at family picnics, serve them after a backyard barbeque, or even take them to a potluck! They’re just that versatile! Serve them casually on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream, and ask everyone to dig in! Got ice cream? Oh boy, YES! It pairs perfectly for those hot Texas summer days when you need something cool and sweet!
You can also take it a step further by repurposing these bars; crumble some over a smoothie bowl or mix with yogurt for a refreshing breakfast that feels like dessert! Isn’t it great how one dessert can lead to countless moments of joy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just remember to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your bars.
They can last 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature or fridge. You’ll love them just as much days later!
Yes!! Feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix! Get creative!
These bars are DELICIOUS on their own, but serving them with whipped cream or ice cream elevates the experience to a whole new level!
When the topping is golden brown and strawberry juices are bubbling, they are ready! Don’t forget to let them cool before cutting!
Moment of truth: These STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS are genuinely easy and downright DELICIOUS!!! You can do this, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Please feel free to drop your questions or share your results on social media!! Tag me, and let’s celebrate beautiful creations together! Happy baking!!
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup salted butter, melted Or use unsalted butter with a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the strawberry filling
- 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries Each strawberry quartered then halved
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For the strawberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour For the strawberries
For the glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon light or heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the glaze
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on both sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt (if using unsalted butter). Mix until blended.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture starts forming crumbs.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan smoothly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let it cool slightly.
Strawberry filling
- In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Toss gently to coat the strawberries.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over your cooled crust.
Assembly
- Crumble the remaining crust mixture on top of the strawberries.
- Bake again for 30-35 minutes until strawberry juices are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- While cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
- Cut into 12 bars and serve.
