Who can resist the charm of strawberry shortcake? These Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring layers of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and a tender, buttery crust. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only mouth-watering but also super simple to whip up, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to delight both your family and friends.
Did you know that the concept of shortcake dates back to the 16th century? It’s true! These bars embody the spirit of that rich history while making it easy for even novice bakers to enjoy. What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity and quick prep time—perfect for busy days! If you’re a fan of strawberry shortcake, you might also love our No-Bake Cheesecake recipe. It’s creamy and refreshing, just like these bars! So grab your ingredients, and let’s make a dessert that’s sure to please!
What are Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars? Picture this: a delicious layer of crumbly, buttery shortcake topped with juicy, fresh strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream. These bars are the epitome of summer dessert bliss! But why are they called “shortcake”? Well, the term “short” refers to the tender texture that comes from using a higher fat content in the dough. And let’s face it—who wouldn’t want to impress their friends with a dessert that sounds so fancy? As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and with these bars, you might just win over a few hearts along the way! So gather up those strawberries and get ready to bake a batch of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars
What’s not to love about these Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars? First and foremost, they’re irresistibly delicious! The sweet, tart strawberries combined with the light, airy whipped cream create a heavenly bite that will leave you wanting more. Secondly, making these bars at home is a great way to save money compared to purchasing store-bought desserts. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about whipping up a treat from scratch!
To make it even more special, feel free to add your favorite toppings like a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts. If you love berry desserts, you might also want to check out our Berry Trifle recipe, which features layers of sponge cake, cream, and assorted berries! So, why wait? Let’s dive into making these Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars!
How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Quick Overview
These Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars are not only delicious but also super simple to make! With just a few steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. The estimated preparation time is about 25 minutes, and you’ll have a tasty treat in less than an hour!
Key Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars
To make these delicious bars, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk to the flour mixture and combine until just moistened.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the shortcake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars cool, prepare the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Once the bars are cooled, spread a layer of whipped cream over the top.
- Layer the sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream, then add another layer of whipped cream, if desired.
- Cut into bars and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
What to Serve Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars With
These Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars are delightful on their own, but you might consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing glass of lemonade. You can also complement them with some fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal. The lightness of the watermelon salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the bars. Your family and friends will love the variety!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Make Sure Your Butter is Cold: This ensures your shortcake remains tender and flaky.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until moistened to avoid a dense texture.
- Choose Fresh Strawberries: The fresher the strawberries, the sweeter and juicier your bars will be.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If there are any leftovers (which is often unlikely given how tasty these bars are), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to prep ahead, you can also freeze the baked shortcake base for up to a month. Reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Just add fresh whipped cream and strawberries right before serving for the best flavor!
There you have it! Your ultimate guide to making Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars—a dessert that’s not just delicious but also fun to make. So gather your ingredients, and let’s start mixing! You’ll be enjoying a taste of summer in no time!
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Ingredients
For the shortcake
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed Ensure butter is cold for a flaky texture.
- 1/3 cups milk
For the topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced Choose ripe, sweet strawberries.
- 1 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk to the flour mixture and combine until just moistened.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the shortcake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Topping
- While the bars cool, prepare the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Once the bars are cooled, spread a layer of whipped cream over the top.
- Layer the sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream, then add another layer of whipped cream, if desired.
- Cut into bars and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
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