Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake but want something easier to share and perfect for any occasion, these Strawberry Shortcake Bars are pure magic. With a buttery, tender base, a luscious layer of fresh strawberries thickened just right, and a crumbly topping that’s both rustic and inviting, these bars capture all the joy of strawberry shortcake in every bite. They’re simple to make, visually beautiful, and guaranteed to become a new favorite at your dessert table or casual get-together.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here, just simple, trusty ingredients that combine to create a stellar balance of texture and flavor. Each component plays a starring role, from the rich butter that makes the base tender to the fresh strawberries that provide a juicy, mouthwatering burst of summer.

  • Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and a delicate crumb to the shortcake base.
  • Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps create a light texture.
  • Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, fragrant note to the base.
  • All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure without heaviness.
  • Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives a gentle lift that keeps the bars tender and soft.
  • Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
  • Chopped fresh strawberries (2 cups): The heart of this dessert, delivering juicy sweetness and color.
  • Granulated sugar (1 tbsp, optional): Used to sweeten the berries if they’re a bit tart.
  • Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the strawberry filling so it doesn’t get watery.
  • Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping (optional): Adds a creamy finish for serving.
  • White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar (optional): For a pretty, sweet garnish that completes the presentation.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper, then give it a light grease to make sure your bars come out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This is the foundation of your bars, so take your time here. Once creamy, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will become thick and soft—that’s exactly what you want to hold everything together without making the bars dense.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread about two-thirds of this batter evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form the base layer that supports the juicy strawberry filling and the crumbly topping.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Strawberry Filling

Toss the fresh chopped strawberries with cornstarch and the optional tablespoon of sugar if you need a little extra sweetness. This step is critical to prevent the berries from turning the shortcake soggy by thickening their juices. Spread this fruity layer evenly over your base.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about completely covering it—the rustic look adds charm, and you’ll get a perfect balance of fruit to shortcake in every bar.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pan into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden top and that reassuring moment when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This means your Strawberry Shortcake Bars are perfectly baked through.

Step 8: Cool and Add Toppings

Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan. Once cool, you can serve them as-is or dress them up with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Whipped cream is a classic accompaniment that melts beautifully into the bars, offering a cool, creamy contrast to the fruity filling. If you want a little flair, a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar not only looks stunning but adds a sweet finish that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderful on their own but also pair delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. For brunch or afternoon tea, consider serving them alongside freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea to complement the fruity flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these bars into pretty, uniform squares or rectangles and arrange them on a decorative platter for parties. For a picnic or casual treat, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with a cute ribbon. You can also layer crumbled bars with whipped cream and whole strawberries in a trifle glass for a gorgeous dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Shortcake Bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, store leftovers in the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before serving so the buttery base softens nicely.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is a great option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain their fresh flavor and texture.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop individual bars in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding a small dollop of whipped cream after warming enhances the experience totally.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid well before using. This helps avoid a soggy base by reducing extra moisture in the filling.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is recommended for its flavor and texture, but you can use margarine if needed. Oil is not ideal here as it will alter the crumb and richness significantly.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends in place of regular flour, but keep an eye on texture and adjust moisture if necessary.

How long will Strawberry Shortcake Bars stay fresh?

They taste best within two to three days when stored properly. Beyond that, they may start to lose moisture and the texture can change.

Is there a way to make the topping completely vegan?

You can replace butter with vegan butter and use plant-based whipped toppings. Just be mindful of using a vegan-friendly flour blend to keep the bars vegan throughout.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a heartfelt treat that truly brings the joys of fresh strawberries and buttery shortcake into a handy, shareable form. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, this recipe offers that perfect sweet fix with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll absolutely become a staple dessert you’ll reach for again and again.

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Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

Delight in these Strawberry Shortcake Bars, a perfect blend of buttery shortcake, juicy fresh strawberries, and optional creamy whipped topping or powdered sugar. This easy-to-make dessert bar offers the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a convenient, sliceable form—ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a sweet treat at home.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the filling:

  • 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the topping (optional):

  • Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping
  • White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the shortcake base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, forming a thick dough.
  4. Layer the batter: Spread approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan to create the shortcake base.
  5. Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped fresh strawberries with cornstarch and the optional tablespoon of sugar to thicken and lightly sweeten the filling. Spread this strawberry mixture evenly over the dough layer in the pan.
  6. Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the strawberry layer. The dough won’t cover the strawberries completely, but this is intentional for texture and appearance.
  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 in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and top: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for added indulgence. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • To keep the strawberry filling from becoming too watery, ensure the cornstarch is well mixed with the berries.
  • If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing with cornstarch.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based whipped topping.
  • These bars are best served the same day or within 1–2 days for optimal freshness.
  • You can customize the topping by using fresh sliced strawberries or a strawberry glaze.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 80g)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Bars, dessert bars, strawberry dessert, shortcake recipe, easy strawberry bars

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