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
Scale
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