Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Chilled strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of a rich topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or family celebrations, these bars offer a refreshing twist on the classic strawberry shortcake. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy topping creates a light and satisfying dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, birthday party, or family dinner, these bars are always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge—perfect for busy schedules.
• Versatile Topping Options: Feel free to mix in other fruits or even nuts for added texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve a creamy texture when mixing butter and sugar.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The ideal size for baking evenly, ensuring perfect results every time.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make these delicious strawberry shortcake bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake Base

• ½ cup butter, (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 1 pint strawberries
• 8 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
• ¼-½ cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces cool whip, (thawed)

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, remove the Cool Whip from the freezer to let it thaw. Hull and slice the strawberries, setting them aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Then:
1. Mix in the eggs, baking powder, and salt.
2. Alternate adding the flour and milk while beating after each addition.
3. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; you want a flat cake with a light color. Let it cool completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

In another large bowl, cream together:
1. The softened cream cheese,
2. Powdered sugar,
3. Thawed Cool Whip.

Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your cooled cake base.

Step 5: Add Strawberries & Chill

Top with your sliced strawberries for added sweetness and freshness. Finally, refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow everything to set nicely.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Chilled strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their light and refreshing flavor make them an ideal dessert for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home.

Individual Portions

• Use small squares cut from the bars for easy serving. This allows guests to enjoy their own piece without needing utensils.

Topped with Extra Berries

• Add a few whole strawberries on top of each bar before serving. This enhances the berry flavor and adds a pop of color to the presentation.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the bars provides a rich contrast to the sweet strawberries, making it a decadent option.

Paired with Whipped Cream

• Serve each bar alongside a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that complements the cake.

Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

• For a delightful twist, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds richness to each bite.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars

To ensure your strawberry shortcake bars are absolutely delicious, consider these tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor and sweetness of your dessert.

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your baking time; the cake should be light in color and spring back when touched.

• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the bars to chill for at least three hours helps all flavors meld and makes slicing easier.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese mixture and adjust powdered sugar according to your preference for sweetness.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on classic flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Strawberry shortcake bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in cups for a tasty contrast to the rich dessert.

3. Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like sweet tea or lemonade provide a pleasant complement to the rich flavors of strawberry shortcake bars.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the dessert.

5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate makes for an exciting snack alongside sweet treats.

6. Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars offer a chewy texture that pairs well with the soft strawberry shortcake bars.

7. Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes in various flavors give guests more dessert options while keeping portion sizes manageable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Shortcake Bars, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy texture. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your bars light and fluffy.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is precise. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar, to ensure perfect results.
• Skipping chilling time: Allowing the bars to chill is crucial for firming up the cream cheese layer. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
• Using stale strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries make a big difference in flavor. Check your berries for freshness before using them in your recipe.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Strawberry Shortcake Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the bars for about 10-15 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful twist on traditional shortcake, featuring a fluffy cake base topped with cream cheese and fresh strawberries.

How do I make gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend when making the batter for these bars.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if necessary. Just drain any excess liquid before topping.

How long do Strawberry Shortcake Bars need to chill?

It’s best to refrigerate them for at least 3 hours before serving; this allows the cream cheese mixture to set properly.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are not only refreshing but also versatile enough for various occasions, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. Feel free to customize them with other berries or different flavored extracts for a unique twist!