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Get The Product!Sometimes, dessert can feel like a complicated math equation, but let me tell you about Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars. These bars are the sweet solution to all your dessert dilemmas, combining luscious strawberries, fluffy cream, and a buttery crust that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, crumbly bar bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, while the aroma of baked goodness wafts through the air like a warm hug from your favorite relative.
Growing up, my mom had a knack for turning simple occasions into grand celebrations, especially when it came to desserts. I still remember our family gatherings where she’d whip up her famous strawberry shortcake. Little did I know then that one day I would create my own version in the form of these delightful bars perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat. Trust me you’ll want to make these for Mother’s Day or any sunny day that calls for something sweet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for novice bakers
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet strawberries and creamy filling
- Their vibrant colors make them visually stunning on any table setting
- Not only are they ideal for Mother’s Day, but they also shine at summer picnics and barbecues
I remember serving these bars at a family picnic last year. The reactions from my cousins were priceless as they devoured them in seconds
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red berries that are firm and fragrant they should burst with flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour for the best texture it helps create that perfect buttery crust.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and the filling adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient adds fluffiness to the bars ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavors beautifully do not skip this minor yet mighty ingredient.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust to keep it flaky and tender cut it into small cubes before mixing.
- Heavy Cream: Whip this into soft peaks for a luscious topping it brings creaminess that complements strawberries perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates flavors, making everything taste more delicious.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing they help bind all ingredients together wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray so those bars won’t stick like they’re auditioning for a horror movie.
Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs that remind you of sand on a beach only tastier.
Press into the pan: Pour half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish and press down firmly to form an even layer. It should feel like you’re building a sandy castle but one that’s edible
Bake it up: Place this dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. The smell will transport you straight to dessert heaven.
Prepare strawberries: While waiting on that crust, hull and slice your fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces sprinkle them with sugar and let them sit until juicy. It’s like giving them an instant spa treatment
Make the filling: In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form add vanilla extract near the end so its lovely scent fills your kitchen. Then fold in your juicy strawberries gently so you don’t destroy their pretty shapes.
Assemble: Once your crust has cooled slightly, spread the strawberry filling evenly over it like frosting on cake. Then sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top as if you’re casting fairy dust over your creation.
Final bake: Bake again for another 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top trust me when I say this will be worth every moment of anticipation
Cool down: Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into bars. Don’t be tempted to rush this step let those flavors mingle just right
Serve & enjoy: Slice those gorgeous bars into squares or rectangles whatever fits your fancy Serve chilled or at room temperature either way makes everyone happy.
Enjoying these Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth it’s about sharing memories and creating new ones around delicious food
You Must Know
- These Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful combination of fresh strawberries and fluffy cake, perfect for celebrating
- The vibrant colors and sweet aroma will make your kitchen feel like springtime, while the texture is both soft and crumbly, creating a heavenly treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the bars first, allowing them to cool completely before topping with strawberries and whipped cream. This sequence ensures a firm base for the toppings.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries or add lemon zest for a citrus kick. This flexibility makes each batch unique and personal.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor their natural sweetness enhances the bars significantly
- Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing, creating a smooth batter
- Don’t skip cooling time it helps set the bars perfectly without becoming mushy
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my mom making these bars every spring. The joy on our faces as we devoured them was priceless, turning ordinary moments into cherished family traditions.
FAQ
What can I substitute for strawberries in these bars?
You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for delicious alternatives.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely They store well in the fridge for up to three days before serving.
Are these bars gluten-free?
For gluten-free options, substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour.
Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
Description
Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the perfect sweet treat that combines fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and a buttery crust. These easy-to-make bars are ideal for any spring celebration or sunny day. With vibrant colors and delightful flavors, they will impress your family and friends at brunches, picnics, or barbecues. Enjoy creating memories as you bake this crowd-pleasing dessert that is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the baking dish; bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- Meanwhile, mix sliced strawberries with sugar; set aside to release juices.
- Whip heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form; fold in strawberries gently.
- Spread strawberry filling over the baked crust; top with remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
