Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars capture the classic flavors of fresh strawberries and buttery shortcake in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or casual treats, they combine a tender cake base with juicy strawberry filling and a sweet topping. They are simple to make, customizable, and great for feeding a crowd.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal and cleanup.
- Make the shortcake base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to 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 mixture is smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The resulting dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Layer the batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing it down gently to create a smooth base layer.
- Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped fresh strawberries with cornstarch and the optional tablespoon of granulated sugar. This helps thicken the filling. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the shortcake base.
- Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry layer. It doesn’t have to cover the strawberries completely as the dough will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and top: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to help them set. Once cooled, top with whipped cream or dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
- Top with whipped cream just before serving for the classic strawberry shortcake experience.
- Bars can be made ahead: bake and freeze without topping, then thaw and garnish when ready to serve.
- If strawberries are very juicy, pat dry with paper towels to reduce extra moisture.
- For cleaner edges, chill the bars before slicing.
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Summer Desserts, Easy Strawberry Bars, Layered Shortcake, Summer Berry Dessert, Picnic Desserts, Baking Recipe, Strawberry Dessert