If you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that screams summer, look no further than Strawberry Shortcake Bars. These bars capture the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake, turning them into a soft, chewy treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a weekend treat. With a buttery cake base, juicy strawberries, and a creamy topping, these bars are an irresistible blend of simplicity and indulgence.

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Why Strawberry Shortcake Bars Are the Perfect Summer Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the ideal dessert for those who love the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake but want something easier to serve and eat. These bars are perfect for:
- A crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to share
- Summer picnics or family gatherings
- A sweet treat that can be prepared ahead of time
- Kid-friendly and customizable with other fruits or toppings
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply looking to enjoy a sweet treat at home, these strawberry shortcake bars are a must-try.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Bars
To make these mouthwatering Strawberry Shortcake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the shortcake base:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the texture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the shortcake.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the dough for the cake base.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise, creating a light texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the filling:
- Fresh strawberries: Adds a burst of fresh, fruity flavor.
- Granulated sugar (optional): Sweetens the strawberries.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry juices for a jam-like consistency.
For the topping:
- Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping: Adds a creamy finish.
- Powdered sugar or white chocolate drizzle: For a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to swap out ingredients, here are a few alternatives:
- Gluten-free flour blend: If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Frozen strawberries: Thaw and drain frozen strawberries if fresh berries are unavailable.
- Jam: Use strawberry jam as a shortcut for the filling if fresh strawberries are out of season.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars:
- Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Make the shortcake base: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will be thick, which is perfect for the bars.
- Layer the batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and a little sugar, if desired. Spread them evenly over the batter layer.
- Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry layer. The dough won’t cover the strawberries completely, but that’s okay.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and top: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Room temperature ingredients: Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so mix only until combined.
- Moisture control: If your strawberries are very juicy, place them on paper towels for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely to help them set and hold their shape when sliced.
- Chill for neat cuts: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
Delicious Variations and Flavor Swaps
There are many ways to make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars your own:
- Berry blend: Add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a berry medley.
- Strawberry lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Strawberry cheesecake: Swirl in a cream cheese layer with a bit of sugar and vanilla.
- Chocolate strawberry bars: Add mini white chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars.
These easy swaps allow you to customize the bars based on what you have on hand or the flavor profile you prefer.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways:
- Chilled: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars before serving.
- Warm: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- For parties: Place the bars on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar for a sophisticated presentation.
- For events: Serve them in cupcake liners for easy, mess-free serving.
These bars make the perfect addition to any dessert table or gathering!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Bars
To store these delicious bars:
- Room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.
Note: If you’re using whipped cream, add it fresh just before serving, as it doesn’t freeze well.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Strawberry Shortcake Bars
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are everything you could want in a dessert: comforting, classic, and super easy to share. They’re a portable twist on the beloved strawberry shortcake, and once you try them, you’ll keep making them for every gathering and family event.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of a buttery shortcake base. Whether you serve them at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply indulge in a sweet treat at home, these bars will never disappoint. Their simplicity and versatility make them an easy recipe to keep in your rotation, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and swaps, and keep this recipe in mind when you want something that will surely please a crowd. With these Strawberry Shortcake Bars, you’ll enjoy the flavors of the classic dessert in a fun and portable form!
FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be baked in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to add any toppings like whipped cream or powdered sugar before serving.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
If you prefer a different topping, you can use stabilized whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. These alternatives will add a similar creamy texture or sweetness to the bars.
Can I make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or an egg replacement of your choice, but note that this may slightly alter the texture of the bars. Using an egg replacer will result in a slightly denser base.
More Relevant Recipes
Strawberry Shortcake Bars
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. With a buttery shortcake base, juicy fresh strawberries, and a creamy topping, they are perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or a sweet treat at home. This easy-to-make recipe combines simplicity and indulgence in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping (optional)
- White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will be thick.
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and a little sugar (if desired), then spread them evenly over the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry layer. It won’t cover completely, but that’s fine.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Top with whipped cream or dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh strawberries.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Chill the bars before slicing for clean edges.
- If using whipped cream, add it fresh just before serving as it doesn’t freeze well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg