Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I took a bite of a freshly baked Strawberry Shortcake Bar, the sweet allure of summer burst onto my palate, reminding me that the simplest pleasures often create the most joyful moments. These easy-to-make bars meld tender shortcake with juicy strawberries, making them a go-to treat for warm days and casual gatherings. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion, but they are also effortlessly adaptable, allowing you to swap fresh strawberries for frozen ones or even try gluten-free options. With their soft texture and creamy finish, these bars encapsulate the essence of summertime indulgence. Ready to whip up something delightful? Let’s dive into the world of these Strawberry Shortcake Bars and discover how simple baking can elevate your dessert game! Why are Strawberry Shortcake Bars a must-try? Irresistible flavors of fresh strawberries blended with a sweet buttery shortcake make these bars a must-try! Effortless preparation ensures that even beginners can create this delightful treat in no time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy. Versatile serving options mean they’re perfect for brunches or casual gatherings—imagine them alongside our Moist Strawberry Shortcake or as a refreshing dessert option at summer parties. Adapts beautifully to your dietary needs, whether opting for gluten-free flour or using frozen strawberries. With a scrumptious texture and a creamy finish, each bite is truly a slice of summer bliss! Strawberry Shortcake Bars Ingredients • Discover the essentials for your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars! For the Shortcake Base – Butter – adds richness and flavor; use room temperature for optimal mixing. – Granulated Sugar – sweetens the base; can substitute with a sugar alternative for a lower-calorie version. – Eggs – provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs yield a smoother batter. – All-Purpose Flour – main structural element; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. – Baking Powder – helps the bars rise and become fluffy. – Salt – enhances sweetness and is essential for balanced flavor. For the Strawberry Filling – Fresh Strawberries – main flavor and filling; if using frozen, thaw and drain well for best results. Optional Topping – Whipped Cream – adds a rich finish; best added just before serving to maintain its texture. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Bars Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Strawberry Shortcake Bars bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a square baking pan and parchment paper, to streamline your baking process. Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan Line your square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This will prevent the bars from sticking and help maintain their shape. Make sure to smooth out any creases in the paper so that your batter spreads evenly for a perfect base. Step 3: Make the Shortcake Base In a mixing bowl, cream together room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually beat in room-temperature eggs until the mixture is smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Step 4: Bake the Base Pour the shortcake batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and set but still soft to the touch, indicating perfect doneness for your Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Step 5: Add Strawberry Filling Once the shortcake base has cooled completely in the pan, evenly layer sliced fresh strawberries over the top. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture. This layer of juicy strawberries will be the star of your Strawberry Shortcake Bars, adding a burst of flavor. Step 6: Chill for Best Results To help the layers set beautifully, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and makes cutting the bars easier later on. When you’re ready to serve, you’ll have a delightful, well-structured treat. Step 7: Serve with Whipped Cream After chilling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife for clean edges. Just before serving, top each square with a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of richness. Now, enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Bars! Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Bars • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a creamy batter and ensures even mixing. • Don’t Overmix: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of a light, airy texture. • Strawberry Prep: If you’re using juicy strawberries, slice and let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes to drain excess moisture before adding them to your bars. • Cool Completely: Allow the shortcake base to cool completely before adding the strawberry layer. This helps the fruit stay vibrant and prevents sogginess. • Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerating the bars after assembly will help set the layers and make cutting them into squares easy and mess-free. • Make It Gluten-Free: For gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend without sacrificing flavor or texture. Strawberry Shortcake Bars Variations Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these delightful bars with these fun variations! Jam Swirl: Replace fresh strawberries with your favorite fruit jam for a thick, sweet layer that enhances the overall flavor. Think of an inviting swirl that brings joy in each bite! Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries or raspberries along with strawberries for a colorful and tangy twist. Each bite becomes a burst of berry goodness, elevating your dessert experience. Coconut Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for coconut flour to give these bars a subtle coconut flavor and extra moisture. This change will create a tropical feel that pairs wonderfully with strawberries! Nuts Galore: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the shortcake batter for a delightful crunch and richness. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the shortcake batter for a refreshing zing that enhances the overall flavor profile. This bright touch is reminiscent of warm summer days—a perfect add-in! Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor twist. These spices bring comfort and depth, transforming your bars into an unforgettable treat. Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter and eggs for a vegan-friendly version. This swap brings a new level of healthiness to your dessert without sacrificing taste! Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over your bars just before serving for a decadent touch. The rich chocolate not only adds visual appeal, but makes each bite even more indulgent! Your baking adventure doesn’t have to stop here! If you loved the strawberries in these bars, consider trying our Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake for an amazing flavor fusion or opt for the refreshing delight of our Strawberry Cake Refreshingly to keep your summertime desserts exciting! What to Serve with Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars Nothing pairs better with these luscious bars than delightful accompaniments that enhance their summery charm. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars, making your dessert spread vibrant and colorful. It’s like summer in a bowl! Light Lemonade: The bright citrus notes in homemade lemonade balance the richness of the shortcake, cooling you down on warm days while hitting the sweet and tangy spot. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the strawberry flavor and adds a luscious touch with each bite. The melty goodness takes your indulgence up a notch. Minted Yogurt Dip: A refreshing yogurt dip, infused with fresh mint, adds a cool and creamy element to the dessert, making these bars feel even more indulgent and sophisticated. Pistachio Crumble: This crunchy topping elevates your bars with nutty flavors and a satisfying bite. Just sprinkle on some chopped pistachios for an unexpected crunch! Bubbly Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly adds a celebratory vibe to your gathering, harmonizing beautifully with the soft textures of the bars. Perfect for a festive atmosphere. Chocolate Drizzle: A subtle drizzle of warm chocolate sauce provides a rich contrast to the fruity flavors and takes the dessert experience to new, decadent heights. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free version of whipped cream brings a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the classic taste of strawberries. Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Bars Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and easy to grab for a quick snack. Fridge: If you want to keep your Strawberry Shortcake Bars longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Make sure they are wrapped or in a sealed container to maintain moisture. Freezer: For extended storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: Thaw frozen bars in the fridge overnight. Serve cold or gently warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat! Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeks. You can make the shortcake base up to 24 hours in advance—just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The strawberry layer can also be prepared ahead by slicing fresh strawberries and storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the strawberries over the chilled base and top with whipped cream just before enjoying. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time, without sacrificing quality or flavor! Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe FAQs What kind of strawberries should I use for the bars? Absolutely! For the best flavor, fresh strawberries are ideal, especially when they’re in season and ripe. Look for berries that are bright red with no dark spots. If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy bars. How should I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Bars? For a delicious treat that lasts, store your Strawberry Shortcake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal them tightly to keep them fresh and moist. Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Bars? Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a labeled freezer-safe bag or container. These delightful bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. What should I do if my batter is too thick? If you notice your shortcake base batter is thicker than expected, don’t worry! Add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to overmix when adding moisture; that could lead to denser bars instead of the light and airy texture we love. Are there any dietary considerations for my pets? It’s best to keep Strawberry Shortcake Bars away from pets. Ingredients like sugar and certain fruits can lead to digestive upset in dogs and cats. Always stick to treats formulated for them to ensure their well-being and happiness! Can I make these bars gluten-free? Very much so! Instead of using all-purpose flour, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create delightful gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Bars. This substitution works beautifully without compromising on taste or texture! Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars for Summer Bliss These Strawberry Shortcake Bars combine tender shortcake with juicy strawberries, making them a must-try treat for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins Servings: 9 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Shortcake Base1 cup Butter room temperature3/4 cup Granulated Sugar can substitute with a sugar alternative2 large Eggs room temperature2 cups All-Purpose Flour can substitute with gluten-free flour1 tbsp Baking Powder1/4 tsp SaltFor the Strawberry Filling2 cups Fresh Strawberries slicedOptional Topping1 cup Whipped Cream add just before serving Equipment Square baking panParchment paperMixing bowlspatulaWhiskknife Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your square baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs and mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; then fold into the wet mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cut into squares and top with whipped cream before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best results. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
