There’s something magical about Strawberry Shortcake Bars that makes them an irresistible treat. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery crust topped with sweet, juicy strawberries and a cloud-like layer of whipped cream. The flavors dance on your tongue, and the aroma fills the room, making it impossible to resist another slice.

These bars remind me of summer picnics, where laughter mingles with the sweet scent of ripe strawberries. I remember one such sunny afternoon when my friends and I devoured an entire batch in record time. This delightful dessert is perfect for family gatherings or simply as a treat for yourself after a long day. Are you ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s dive into the world of Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion
- Their vibrant colors and fresh flavors bring sunshine to your table
- You can customize the toppings with different fruits or even whipped cream flavors for added fun
- Plus, they’re great for sharing (or not)
I once made these bars for a family gathering, and my cousin declared them “life-changing.” Watching everyone fight for the last piece was a moment I’ll never forget.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your crust make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and strawberry filling you can use less if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that fluffy texture ensure it’s active to avoid any flat bars.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your dessert remarkably.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for that flaky crust it makes all the difference
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose bright red strawberries for sweetness they should be juicy and fragrant.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade whipped cream is best it adds a lightness that store-bought just can’t match.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan with nonstick spray. This sets us up for success right from the start.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly. You want it to resemble sand – not beach vacation sand but more like fine grains
Press Down Firmly: Take your crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Aim for an even layer this will be your sturdy base.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen like an inviting hug.
Create Strawberry Filling: While waiting, chop fresh strawberries into small pieces and toss them with sugar in a separate bowl. Let them sit this will release their juicy goodness.
Add Whipped Cream Topping: Once your crust is cooled down (patience ), spread generous dollops of whipped cream over the strawberry filling. Be generous here – we want clouds of creamy goodness
Cut Into Bars & Serve : Slice into squares or rectangles after chilling in the fridge for about an hour. Serve chilled and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Strawberry Shortcake Bars ”
Enjoy every bite while secretly plotting how to keep these delightful bars all to yourself
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake bars are not just delicious they’re easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings
- The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy filling creates a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family
- The vibrant colors and inviting aromas elevate any dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first while preheating the oven, then mix the filling as it bakes. This sequence keeps everything fresh, ensuring a delicious outcome.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your strawberry shortcake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, enjoy them cold rather than reheated.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly crumbly crust, be sure to use cold butter when mixing your ingredients
- If you want more fruit flavor, consider macerating the strawberries beforehand with a little sugar
- Also, don’t skip chilling the bars before cutting it helps maintain their shape
Sharing my first attempt at these strawberry shortcake bars always brings back fond memories of my kids’ delighted faces as they took their first bites.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries in strawberry shortcake bars?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess water before using frozen strawberries.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
What can I substitute for whipped cream in this recipe?
You can use Greek yogurt or coconut cream as a lighter alternative to whipped cream.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars
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- Author: Clara Rosewood
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 9 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful summer treat that combines a buttery crust with sweet, juicy strawberries and a light whipped cream topping. Perfect for picnics and family gatherings, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist. Each bite is a burst of flavor that brings sunshine to any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 1 cup whipped cream (homemade preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix until the texture resembles fine crumbs.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the greased pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown; let cool.
- Toss chopped strawberries with sugar in a bowl; let sit to release juices.
- Once the crust is cooled, layer the strawberries on top and spread whipped cream generously over them.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg