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Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

4.4 from 82 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake Bars featuring a buttery shortcake base layered with a fresh strawberry filling and topped with whipped cream or powdered sugar. Perfect as a summery dessert or sweet snack with a tender crumb and juicy berries.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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 smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. 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.
  4. Layer the batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer for the bars.
  5. Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped fresh strawberries with cornstarch and the optional tablespoon of sugar to help thicken the filling and enhance sweetness. Spread this mixture evenly over the shortcake base layer.
  6. Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry layer. It won’t cover the filling completely, but this rustic topping works well.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and top: Allow the strawberry shortcake bars to cool completely in the pan. Before slicing, add whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping, and optionally drizzle with white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • You can adjust the sugar in the strawberry filling based on the natural sweetness of your berries.
  • Stabilized whipped cream will hold better if you plan to prepare the bars ahead of time.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
  • These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Keywords: Strawberry shortcake bars, berry dessert, easy summer dessert, shortcake recipe, strawberry bars