Description
These easy strawberry shortcake bars are a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dessert made with simple pantry staples. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, juicy strawberry filling, and light whipped cream topping, they are perfect for potlucks or last-minute cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed)
- 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar (for crust)
- Pinch of Salt
- 2 lbs Fresh Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 0.5 to 0.75 cups Granulated Sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (optional, for cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, 0.5 cups sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and work it in with fingers or a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, toss sliced strawberries with 0.5-0.75 cups sugar and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
- Remove the crust from the oven and pour the strawberry mixture evenly over the hot crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the filling is bubbling vigorously and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack (at least 1 hour).
- While bars cool, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and optional powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the completely cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Ensure butter is cold for a flaky crust. Blind baking the crust prevents sogginess. Cool bars completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain thoroughly to remove excess liquid. For best texture, serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: strawberry shortcake bars, easy dessert, budget-friendly recipe, strawberry bars, shortbread crust, summer dessert, potluck dessert