Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delicious and portable twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. These bars feature a buttery, biscuit-like crust that’s topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream topping, all in a convenient, handheld form. The combination of sweet, ripe strawberries, light creaminess, and a slightly crumbly base makes these bars a perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or any time you want to enjoy the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake without the fuss. With their vibrant flavor and easy-to-serve format, these bars are sure to become a new favorite dessert.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the whipped topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Biscuit Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, beat the egg and vanilla extract together. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough should be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Bake the Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Strawberries: While the crust is cooling, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir to combine and let the strawberries sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.
- Make the Whipped Topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Assemble the Bars: Once the crust has cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the crust. Spoon the macerated strawberries with their juices on top of the whipped cream.
- Chill and Serve: Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bars to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve!
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars offer all the beloved flavors of the classic dessert in a fun, easy-to-serve format. With their soft, buttery crust, sweet strawberries, and creamy topping, they’re sure to delight your taste buds at any occasion!
