Introduction
Nothing says summer quite like fresh strawberries! With their vibrant red color and delightful sweetness, they are the star of our delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars. These treats are the perfect blend of moist cake and luscious strawberries, topped off with a dollop of whipped cream for that ultimate dessert experience. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these bars are sure to become a favorite for picnics, potlucks, or a sweet indulgence on a warm day.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- Additional strawberries for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to keep those bars from sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- Add in the softened butter, the large egg, and the fragrant vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries, taking care to ensure they are evenly distributed, ready to burst with flavor in every bite.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, making sure it reaches the corners.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your delicious bars are ready!
- Once baked to a lovely golden brown, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- When the bars are cool, cut them into squares. Top each square generously with whipped cream and add a few extra strawberries for that beautiful finishing touch before serving.
Notes or Tips
For an extra splash of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with the strawberries! These bars can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days, although they might not last long – they are that good!
Cooking Techniques
When folding in the strawberries, be gentle! You want to maintain the light and airy texture of the batter while ensuring that each bite has juicy strawberries. Also, letting the bars cool completely is key to achieving the perfect texture for slicing.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your batter.
What can I substitute for whipped cream?
You can use whipped topping or even a cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor. Feel free to experiment!
How do I store leftover bars?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They can last up to 2-3 days.
Conclusion
There you have it! These delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars are not only simple to make but are also an explosion of flavor that captures the essence of summer. Whether you enjoy them with friends at a gathering or savor them all by yourself, they are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Happy baking!