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For the base of your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed These dry ingredients blend to create a light and fluffy texture. The baking powder helps the bars rise, while the salt balances the sweetness. Next, grab some fresh produce for that burst of flavor: - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch The strawberries give the bars a juicy taste. Lemon juice adds zing, and cornstarch thickens the filling so it’s not runny. To finish your bars, you’ll want a creamy touch: - 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping This adds a rich and sweet layer on top of the bars. It makes each bite feel special. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, vanilla, strawberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure it hangs over the edges for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything is well blended. Next, add in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in. Aim for a crumbly texture. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until combined. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Now, spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. In another bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the strawberries are coated. Pour this strawberry mixture over the batter in the pan. Next, take spoonfuls of the remaining batter and drop it over the strawberries. Try to cover the filling, but don’t worry about making it perfect. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden top and check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. When they are cool, cut them into bars. Serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy your sweet treat! To get the best texture, use cold butter. Cold butter helps make the bars light and fluffy. When mixing, stop as soon as you see lumps. This keeps the dough tender. Spread the batter evenly in the pan. This helps it bake well all over. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can make the bars tough. Another mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter will change the texture. Make sure the strawberries are not too juicy. Juicy strawberries can make the bars soggy. These bars taste great served warm or cold. Top them with whipped cream for extra flavor. You can also add fresh mint leaves for a nice touch. Serve them at parties, picnics, or just for fun. They are a hit with kids and adults alike. Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold and cubed to create a flaky texture in the bars. Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can make the mixture watery. Don’t Overmix: When combining the batter, mix just until combined to avoid tough bars. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_2}} You can switch up the berries in these bars. Try blueberries or raspberries for a twist. Mix different berries for a colorful, tasty treat. Each berry brings its own flavor, so the bars stay exciting. You can even add blackberries for a nice touch. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the tartness of the fruit. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. This helps keep the texture light and fluffy. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free. Follow the same steps, and you will enjoy a delicious treat without gluten. To give your bars a flavor boost, add a hint of almond extract. A teaspoon will make a big difference. You can also mix in a bit of lemon zest for a fresh touch. For a richer taste, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the batter. These simple changes can elevate your strawberry shortcake bars to a new level. To keep your strawberry shortcake bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. You can freeze these bars for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for about three months. When you want to eat them, just pull out the number you need. To reheat, take the bars out of the fridge or freezer. If they are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and warms the strawberries nicely. Enjoy with a fresh dollop of whipped cream! Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just remember to thaw and drain them first. This helps reduce the extra moisture. Frozen strawberries can work well in this recipe if you prepare them correctly. To keep your bars from getting soggy, use fresh strawberries. Make sure to coat them with lemon juice and cornstarch. This helps absorb extra juice. Also, avoid overmixing the batter. Spread it gently over the strawberries. If you don’t have whipped cream, try yogurt or cool whip. Both options add creaminess and flavor. You could also use a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist. Choose what you like best! This blog post covered all you need for making awesome strawberry bars. We looked at ingredients, from dry to fresh and tasty toppings. You learned each step, from prep to serving. With my tips and common mistakes, you can avoid problems. You now have fun variations, storage ideas, and answers to your biggest questions. Enjoy the process and the tasty treats! Making these bars will be easy and fun for you.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make strawberry shortcake bars, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Add in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  • Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until the strawberries are well coated, then pour this filling over the batter in the pan.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry mixture, trying to cover as much as possible. It doesn't have to be perfectly smooth.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, cut into bars and serve topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Allow to cool completely before cutting for best results.
Keyword bars, dessert, shortcake, strawberry