Introduction
There’s something irresistibly comforting about the classic combination of strawberries and cream, especially when it’s packed into delightful bars. These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a summertime treat that bursts with flavor and fresh sweetness, making them ideal for a picnic, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night at home. With a tender, buttery base topped with luscious strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish to prepare for this delectable treat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda, giving it a gentle stir to blend the dry ingredients.
- Next, add in the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until just combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Spread the luscious batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring every corner is covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top turns a lovely light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack — patience will reward you with perfect texture!
- While the bars are cooling, toss the sliced strawberries with powdered sugar in a bowl, letting them sit to release their juicy goodness.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form, transforming it into a rich, fluffy topping.
- Once the bars are cool, cut them into squares, layer with the sweet strawberries and plush whipped cream, and serve these delightful treats right away!
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries. It beautifully enhances their sweetness. You can also substitute the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries if you want a mixed berry shortcake experience!
Cooking Techniques
Baking these shortcake bars is all about balance. Make sure to monitor them closely towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking. Allowing them to cool completely is essential for achieving the right texture, making them easier to slice without crumbling. Whipping the cream until soft peaks ensures that your topping is light and airy, creating the perfect contrast to the dense shortcake base.
FAQ
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Prepare the strawberries and whipped cream just before serving for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with whipped topping or use half-and-half, though the texture will be less creamy.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars truly embody the essence of warm weather treats. Whether you’re enjoying them at a sunny gathering or savoring a quiet moment at home, each bite offers a taste of summer bliss. Whip up a batch and share them with loved ones, or keep them all to yourself — we promise you won’t regret it!