Introduction
There’s something undeniably delightful about strawberry shortcake, and these Strawberry Shortcake Bars bring that classic flavor into a convenient and shareable treat. With layers of crumbly oat crust, fresh strawberries, and a light whipped topping, each bite is a burst of summertime sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, a family gathering, or just indulging on a sunny afternoon, these bars promise to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
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 line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Pour in the melted butter and add the vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a delicious crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice until they are well-coated. Spread the vibrant berries evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the strawberries, ensuring an even layer that will bake to a delightful crunch.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and fragrant.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Once cool, generously spread the whipped topping over the top and cut into squares for serving.
Notes or Tips
For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb mixture! If you’re not a fan of whipped topping, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a wonderful accompaniment too. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves a simple baking technique that’s perfect for home bakers of all levels. The combination of pressing the crust down and layering the strawberries ensures a lovely texture throughout. The key is to watch for that golden brown color, which indicates that the bars are ready to come out of the oven.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
How should I store the bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness, ideally enjoyed within three days.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the sweet celebration of summer flavors, blending the juicy tartness of strawberries with a buttery oat crust and luscious whipped topping. Perfect for sharing or savoring alone, these bars are sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. Dive in and enjoy a taste of bliss, one delightful bar at a time!