Thereβs nothing quite like the sweet, summery burst of strawberries combined with creamy goodness, all wrapped up in the delightful texture of Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery base topped with juicy strawberries and whipped cream that dances on your taste buds. The flavors meld together to create a blissful experience that can make any day feel like a sun-soaked picnic.
I remember the first time I made these bars for a family gathering the delighted faces were priceless. These treats are perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or simply indulging yourself after a long day. With every layer offering something different, youβll find it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion
- Their delightful blend of flavors creates an irresistible treat everyone will love
- Visually stunning with vibrant strawberries, they make any table look festive
- Plus, they are versatile enough to enjoy as a snack or dessert at any time of day
One memorable summer evening, I served these treats at a family reunion, and the kids practically attacked the dessert table Their giggles and sticky fingers left me chuckling and grateful for such sweet moments.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness they should smell fragrant and be firm to touch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Basic but essential for creating the buttery crust and structure sift it for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is key here it balances sweetness perfectly in both the crust and topping.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps give our bars that soft, cake-like texture.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness it adds richness to the crust.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whip this up for an indulgent topping that complements the fresh strawberries beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to both the crust and whipped cream never skip it
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for sweetening whipped cream without gritty texture adjust to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Strongly set your kitchen up for success by preparing your tools and ingredients before diving into this tasty adventure
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease an 8Γ8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create Your Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in softened butter until it resembles coarse crumbs think sandy beach vibes
Press It Down: Pour half of the crumb mixture into your prepared pan and press firmly down using your hands or a spatula. Aim for an even layer that feels solid yet light.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen like warm hugs
Prepare Strawberries & Whipped Cream: While the crust cools, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with a bit of sugar let them sit so their juices release For whipped cream, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Layer It Up: Once cooled, spread those luscious strawberries over the baked crust evenly. Top with fluffy whipped cream like youβre frosting a cake donβt be shy
Enjoy every moment as you slice into these Strawberry Shortcake Bars the laughter of friends or family will remind you why you made them in the first place
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake bars are not only delicious but also perfect for summer parties
- Their light, creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor will impress any guest
- Plus, theyβre easy to make ahead, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without stress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first. While it bakes, whip up the filling and slice strawberries for a quicker assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Add lemon zest for a zingy twist
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly layered bars, ensure your crust is fully cooled before adding the filling
- Use fresh berries for the best flavor and texture
- Allow bars to chill completely before slicing for clean edges
Sharing these strawberry shortcake bars with friends always brings back memories of summer picnics filled with laughter and sunshine.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries in strawberry shortcake bars?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make gluten-free strawberry shortcake bars?
Use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the recipe.
What can I serve with strawberry shortcake bars?
Pair them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence

Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the ultimate summer treat, bursting with juicy strawberries and creamy whipped topping on a buttery crust. These delightful bars are easy to make, perfect for any gathering, and will transport you straight to a sun-soaked picnic with every bite. Theyβre visually stunning and guaranteed to impress your guests while satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease an 8Γ8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the pan; bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- While cooling, toss strawberries with sugar. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Layer strawberries over the cooled crust and top with whipped cream. Chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute strawberries with your favorite berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor twist. You can add lemon zest for an added zing!