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Freshly baked strawberry shortcake bars with golden crumb topping served on white plates with whipped cream and fresh strawberries

strawberry shortcake bars

recipessoft.com
Learn to make perfect strawberry shortcake bars with our easy recipe guide. Tips, variations & pro secrets for delicious homemade dessert bars!"
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (for base)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for base)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for base)
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for strawberries)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  • Make Base Layer: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in 1 cup cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into prepared pan. Pre-bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Prepare Strawberries: While base bakes, toss sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
  • Make Crumb Topping: In a clean bowl, combine 1 cup flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter until mixture forms clumps when squeezed.
  • Assemble Bars: Spread strawberry mixture evenly over pre-baked base. Distribute crumb topping evenly over strawberries without pressing down.
  • Final Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until crumb topping is golden brown and strawberry juices bubble around edges.
  • Cool and Serve: Cool completely in pan for 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Pros

  • Easy to make ahead for entertaining
  • Serves a crowd with minimal effort
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients
  • Perfect portable dessert for picnics and potlucks
  • Combines classic strawberry shortcake flavors in convenient bar form
  • Freezes well for long-term storage
  • Less messy than traditional strawberry shortcake
  • Great way to use abundant fresh strawberries
  • Appeals to all ages
  • Can be customized with different berries

Cons

  • Requires cooling time before cutting cleanly
  • Fresh strawberries are seasonal and can be expensive
  • May become soggy if not stored properly
  • Crumb topping can be messy to eat
  • Not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without modifications
  • Higher calorie content than lighter desserts
  • Texture changes when frozen and thawed
  • Requires multiple mixing bowls and cleanup
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