Why You Will Love This Recipe
Strawberry shortcake bars offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and crumble topping for a handheld treat. Topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, these bars capture the essence of traditional shortcake while adding an elegant touch. Their portability makes them perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a dessert for special occasions. The dish’s versatility allows you to customize it to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. Whether you’re craving a fruity, indulgent treat or looking to impress your guests, strawberry shortcake bars with vanilla glaze deliver satisfaction without the fuss.
Ingredients for Strawberry Crumble Bars with Vanilla Glaze
To create the ultimate strawberry shortcake bars, gather these essential ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of cold and cubed unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 2 cups of diced fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. For the creamy vanilla glaze, you’ll need 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk (or plant-based alternative), and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Optional add-ins like whipped cream or citrus zest can further enhance the flavor. Dietary substitutions such as gluten-free flour or plant-based butter cater to specific needs without compromising taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making strawberry shortcake bars is simple with this clear guide. Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make the crust by mixing flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan. Prepare the strawberry filling by tossing diced strawberries with cornstarch, remaining sugar, and lemon juice; spread evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberry layer to create the crumble topping. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
How to Make the Creamy Vanilla Glaze
To prepare the creamy vanilla glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk (or plant-based alternative), and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag for an elegant finish. The creamy vanilla glaze not only enhances the sweetness but also ties all the flavors together, making these bars irresistibly delicious and visually stunning.
Expert Baking Tips
Achieving the best results with strawberry shortcake bars involves using cold butter for the crust and crumble to achieve a flaky texture. Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent toughness in the crust, ensuring a tender bite. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts, preserving their structure and appearance. For the glaze, use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor and adjust the consistency to your preference. These techniques guarantee bars that are consistently buttery, golden, and visually stunning, ensuring a satisfying baking experience every time.
See Also:
- Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
- Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwich
- No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Q: What can I substitute for cornstarch?
A: Arrowroot powder works well as a thickener.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free flour.
Q: How do I make the bars sweeter?
A: Add an extra ¼ cup of sugar to the filling or drizzle with more vanilla glaze.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Customizing your strawberry shortcake bars opens up endless possibilities for flavor exploration. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or certified gluten-free flour blends, ensuring inclusivity without compromising taste. A vegan version can be achieved by swapping butter with plant-based alternatives and using a flax egg, making it suitable for plant-based diets. Add blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a mixed berry twist that adds variety and vibrancy. Incorporate orange zest or lime juice into the crust or filling for a citrusy upgrade that enhances the fruity profile. These creative variations cater to diverse preferences while maintaining the bars’ signature buttery and indulgent charm.
Storing and Freezing
To keep your strawberry shortcake bars tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before serving. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to restore their texture and flavor. These storage tips ensure the dessert remains delicious and satisfying, even when enjoyed days later.
Why This Recipe Works: Simplicity Meets Flavor
This strawberry shortcake bars recipe stands out for its buttery crust, juicy strawberry filling, and crumbly topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy vanilla glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and elegance, completing the “shortcake” theme. It combines the nostalgia of classic strawberry shortcake with the convenience of handheld bars, making it both comforting and practical. Whether served at a casual gathering or an elegant event, these bars promise a delightful experience with every bite.
Why These Strawberry Shortcake Bars Are a Must-Try
These strawberry shortcake bars with vanilla glaze are a must-try for their simplicity, bold flavors, and versatility. Whether served for summer gatherings, holidays, or casual desserts, they bring joy and indulgence to any occasion. Experiment with variations and presentations to make them your own, ensuring a delightful experience every time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that easy baking can still be extraordinary. Try them today they might just become your new go-to dessert.
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Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Featuring a buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping, these handheld treats are finished with a creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or casual desserts, they combine ease of preparation with bold flavors and nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided: ½ cup for crust, ½ cup for filling)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- Whipped cream
- Citrus zest (orange or lemon)
- Blueberries or raspberries (for mixed berry variation)
- Almond flour or plant-based butter (for gluten-free/vegan options)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until dough just comes together.
- Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, toss diced strawberries with cornstarch, remaining ½ cup sugar, and lemon juice.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust layer.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the strawberries.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Make the Glaze
11. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.
13. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter for best crumbly texture.
- Let bars cool fully before slicing to maintain structure.
- Adjust glaze thickness with extra milk or powdered sugar.
- Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Substitute gluten-free flour or plant-based ingredients as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
