Welcome to a dessert experience that perfectly captures the essence of summer in every single bite. If you’re searching for a treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a simple, crowd-pleasing format, then look no further. This recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Buttery Crust is about to become your new go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a quiet afternoon indulgence. These bars feature three incredible layers: a crisp, buttery shortbread base, a rich and creamy cheesecake-style filling, and a topping of fresh, juicy strawberries. Consequently, they offer a delightful texture and flavor contrast that traditional strawberry shortcake can’t quite match. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create these absolutely heavenly bars from scratch.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Strawberry Bars
There are countless reasons why this recipe stands out, but it truly comes down to the perfect harmony of its components. First and foremost, the foundation of these bars is a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. It’s rich, buttery, and sturdy enough to hold the luscious layers above it, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. Following that, a smooth and tangy cream cheese filling adds a luxurious element. This layer is not overly sweet; instead, it provides a perfect creamy counterpoint to the fresh fruit topping.
Of course, the star of the show is the vibrant strawberry layer. Using fresh, ripe strawberries ensures a burst of natural sweetness and a beautiful ruby-red color. Unlike traditional shortcake, which can sometimes be messy to serve, these bars are incredibly convenient. You can make them ahead of time, slice them into neat squares, and serve them easily to a crowd. Therefore, they are an ideal dessert for any occasion, from a casual backyard barbecue to a more formal celebration. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps makes these strawberry shortcake bars a joy to bake and even more of a joy to eat.
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Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Buttery Crust: The 1 Ultimate Recipe for Irresistible Flavor
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth and tangy cream cheese filling, and a vibrant layer of fresh strawberries for the ultimate summer-inspired dessert.
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Creamy Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, if strawberries are very juicy)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake crust for 15–20 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges.
5. While crust bakes, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined.
6. Beat in egg, vanilla, and sour cream until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
7. In a separate bowl, toss sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch if using.
8. Pour cream cheese filling over warm crust and spread evenly.
9. Spoon strawberry mixture evenly over the filling.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until filling is set at the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
11. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use cold butter for a tender, flaky shortbread crust.
Ensure cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, neat bars.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Bars can be frozen individually for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
The Perfect Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Buttery Crust
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward dessert perfection. The good news is that this recipe uses simple, easy-to-find pantry staples. For the best results, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients, particularly fresh butter and ripe strawberries. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each delicious layer.
For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for our sturdy yet tender crust.
- Granulated Sugar: It adds just the right amount of sweetness to the base.
- Cold, Unsalted Butter: Using cold butter is crucial. As it bakes, it creates small pockets of steam, resulting in a wonderfully flaky and tender texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling and helps it set.
- Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, giving the filling structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweet strawberries.
For the Fresh Strawberry Topping:
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This helps draw out the juices from the strawberries to create a natural syrup.
- Lemon Juice: A little fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the berries and prevents the topping from being overly sweet.
- Cornstarch (Optional): If your strawberries are extra juicy, a teaspoon of cornstarch can help thicken the topping slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking. Following these steps carefully will ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Buttery Crust turn out perfectly every time. This process is surprisingly simple, so let’s get started.
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan later.
- Make the Buttery Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Mix the Creamy Filling: While the crust is baking, you can prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Afterward, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the filling to crack during baking.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Gently wash, hull, and slice your fresh strawberries. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and fresh lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the berries to release their natural juices.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the cream cheese filling over the warm crust and spread it into an even layer. Then, carefully spoon the strawberry mixture over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges and only slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: This is a very important step! Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Afterward, cover the pan and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is essential for the filling to set properly, which allows for clean, beautiful slices. If you love strawberry desserts, you might also enjoy these delicious strawberry cheesecake cookies for another occasion.
Expert Tips for Baking Perfection
A few simple tips can elevate your strawberry shortcake bars from good to absolutely amazing. For instance, always use cold butter straight from the refrigerator for the crust. This technique is key to achieving that desirable shortbread texture. Additionally, when making the filling, ensure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly and prevents a lumpy texture. Overmixing the filling can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
The quality of your strawberries also matters immensely. Ripe, in-season strawberries will provide the best flavor and natural sweetness. Did you know that strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants? According to experts on nutrition, they are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. Finally, patience is a virtue when it comes to these bars. You must let them chill completely. Trying to slice them while they’re still warm will result in a messy dessert. For perfectly clean cuts, use a large, sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. For those who enjoy easy and flavorful recipes, you might want to plan an easy Italian beef dinner before enjoying this delicious dessert.
Variations and Storage
While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavor additions to create your own signature dessert bar.
Delicious Variations:
- Mixed Berry Bars: Not a fan of only strawberries? In that case, try a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry version.
- Lemon or Lime Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese filling for an extra bright and zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Graham Cracker Crust: For a different twist, you can substitute the shortbread crust with a classic graham cracker crust. Simply mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar.
- Glaze Drizzle: After the bars have chilled, you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. After trying this dessert, you might be in the mood for something else, like a decadent chocolate banana bread.
How to Store Your Bars:
Proper storage is key to keeping your bars fresh and delicious. Because of the cream cheese filling, these bars must be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or keep them in the baking pan, tightly covered with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze these bars for longer storage. To do so, slice them into individual portions and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
In summary, these Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Buttery Crust are a truly delightful dessert that brings together classic flavors in an easy-to-serve format. The combination of the flaky, rich crust, the velvety cream cheese filling, and the sweet, vibrant strawberry topping creates an unforgettable treat. Furthermore, this recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are preparing for a special event or simply craving a taste of summer, these bars are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and discover just how delicious and simple homemade dessert can be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. However, you should thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the topping. Frozen strawberries tend to be softer and release more water, so adding a little cornstarch to the topping mixture is highly recommended to help it thicken properly.
How do I get perfectly clean slices?
The key to clean slices is to ensure the bars are thoroughly chilled for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Use a long, sharp knife for cutting. For extra precision, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This will prevent the filling from sticking to the blade.
Can I make these strawberry shortcake bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. In fact, their flavor and texture often improve after a day of chilling, as it gives the layers time to meld together beautifully.
