Strawberry Shortcake Bars | Easy, Delicious Dessert Recipe

Every spring, I wait for that first carton of ruby-red strawberries to hit the market. The smell alone makes me crave these Strawberry Shortcake Bars buttery, crumbly, and layered with juicy fruit that bubbles up through every bite. They’re quick to make, easy to slice, and the perfect treat for picnics, potlucks, or just a quiet afternoon coffee break.

Imagine a soft shortbread-style crust, a layer of fresh, jammy strawberries, a buttery crumb topping, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze. These Strawberry Shortcake Bars taste like your favorite shortcake in a portable square. With only a few pantry staples and about ten minutes of prep, you’ll have dessert ready for any spring or summer gathering. Once cooled, they slice beautifully and hold up well, even when shared outdoors.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Bars

The Best Flavor and Texture Combo

Every bite blends a crisp, buttery crust with a soft, tender crumble and the juicy sweetness of real strawberries. The contrast of textures keeps each bite exciting, while the hint of vanilla ties everything together in a way that’s both rich and refreshing.

Simple Prep and Pantry Ingredients

You’ll only need everyday staples: flour, butter, sugar, vanilla, and a handful of strawberries. The prep is simple one bowl for the crust and topping, another for the berries — so cleanup stays easy.

Great for Sharing and Storing

These bars chill and store beautifully, making them a go-to dessert for parties, brunches, or make-ahead gifts. You can even enjoy them cold from the fridge for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crust and Crumb Topping

The base and topping come from the same mixture a blend of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. The butter helps everything bind while creating that golden, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.

Strawberry Filling

Fresh strawberries, a little sugar, and flour are all you need for the filling. As the bars bake, the strawberries soften and release their juices, which thicken into a jam-like layer.

Vanilla Glaze

Powdered sugar whisked with cream and vanilla makes a glossy drizzle that sets beautifully once the bars cool. It adds sweetness and a touch of shine.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to lift the bars later. In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan and bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

Make the Strawberry Filling

While the crust bakes, toss chopped strawberries with sugar and flour until coated. This helps create that perfect, thick filling that won’t leak or turn soggy.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the strawberries evenly over the warm crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, leaving a few berries peeking through. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top turns golden and the filling bubbles at the edges.

Cool, Glaze, and Slice

Cool completely in the pan to help the filling set. Whisk powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the bars. Lift the bars out using the parchment and cut into 12 even squares.
Yields: 12 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Choosing and Prepping the Strawberries

Use ripe, firm strawberries — too soft, and they’ll release too much liquid. Patting them dry before mixing helps keep the crust crisp.

Crust and Crumble Success

If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Press the crust firmly but not too hard; it should hold together while still feeling tender after baking.

Cooling and Glazing Notes

Always let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze. It keeps the drizzle neat and prevents melting, which helps your bars slice cleanly.

Storage and Freezing Guide

How to Store

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve them chilled for a refreshing treat, or bring them to room temperature for a softer bite.

How to Freeze

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Variations and Easy Substitutions

Berry Swaps and Mix-Ins

Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorite berries. Each brings a different color and flavor.

Flavor Boosters

Add lemon zest to the crust for brightness, or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nuttier aroma.

Scaling the Recipe

Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan. Just extend the baking time by a few minutes until the top turns golden and the fruit bubbles around the edges.

More Such Recipes

• fluffy strawberry mousse for light make-ahead desserts
• strawberry shortcake truffles treats inspired by classic ice cream bars
• nostalgic strawberry crunch cake that tastes like shortcake ice cream bars
• strawberry cake truffles for easy bite-sized dessert bites
• quick strawberry crinkle cookies for soft, fruity desserts
• mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes for party-ready desserts
• no bake lemon meringue pie for a creamy, oven-free dessert

Conclusion

These Strawberry Shortcake Bars bring together the best of buttery crust, juicy fruit, and creamy glaze in one easy dessert. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing at picnics, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home. Whether you serve them chilled or warm, these bars taste like sunshine in every bite.

You can also find more baking inspiration and updates on Pinterest or Facebook.

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