Description
Craving classic strawberry shortcake without the fuss? These bars deliver! A tender, buttery crust cradles juicy fresh strawberries. So simple, so satisfying. Full instructions & nutrition included.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed: 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: 4 cups
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: Press the base layer. Transfer two-thirds of the dough mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it firmly and evenly into the bottom to form the crust.
- Step 4: Prepare the strawberry filling. In a separate medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the strawberries are well coated.
- Step 5: Assemble and bake. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the pressed crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
- Step 6: Cool completely. Let the strawberry shortcake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours (or longer), allowing the filling to set, before lifting them out of the pan and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
- To enjoy a warm bar, gently heat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly in a low-temperature toaster oven until just warmed, preserving the fruit's texture.
- These delightful bars are fantastic on their own, but truly shine when served slightly warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
- For perfectly set and neatly sliced bars, the crucial step is patience: allow them to cool completely for at least two hours (or longer), which ensures the strawberry filling fully sets and the crust firms up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx 100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g