Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make summer dessert featuring a buttery shortcake base layered with sweetened fresh strawberries and topped with a light, golden crust. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these bars bring the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake into a convenient handheld treat.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Shortcake Base:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling:
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping
- White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar
- Prep the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the shortcake base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Layer the batter: Spread approximately two-thirds of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a solid base layer for the bars.
- Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped fresh strawberries with the cornstarch and optional granulated sugar to release their juices and thicken the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the batter layer in the pan.
- Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry layer. It will not cover the strawberries completely, but that is perfectly fine to allow the berries to peek through.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and top: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing. Optionally, top with whipped cream, stabilized whipped topping, white chocolate drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- If strawberries are not very sweet, add the optional sugar when tossing them with cornstarch.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars after cooling to help them set.
- Whipped cream and white chocolate drizzle are optional toppings but add a nice touch of creaminess and sweetness.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 16 bars per pan)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake bars, summer dessert, easy dessert bars, strawberry dessert, shortcake recipe, berry bars