Introduction
Nothing says summer quite like the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries. These delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the fruit of the season! With a tender, buttery base and a luscious strawberry topping, these bars create a perfectly balanced treat. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, they are sure to become your new favorite dessert to share with family and friends on warm, sunny days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip, for serving
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Gently toss them to coat, and then set them aside to macerate. This process will help draw out their sweet juices, enhancing the flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.
- Add the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out to create a nice base for your strawberry filling.
- Spoon the macerated strawberries over the layer of batter, spreading them out evenly.
- Using spoonfuls, drop the remaining batter over the strawberries—some of the vibrant fruit can peek through, and that’s perfectly fine!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that the bars are baked to perfection.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream.
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the strawberry mixture. This brightens up the dessert and complements the sweetness beautifully. These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can also be frozen for a delightful treat later on!
Cooking Techniques
The maceration of strawberries is a key technique here, as it enhances the berries’ natural sweetness and creates a juicy topping. Additionally, creaming the butter with dry ingredients is essential for achieving the perfect crumbly texture in the base. Remember to avoid overmixing once you add wet ingredients, as this can lead to denser bars.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are not only easy to bake but are also a stunning way to showcase the fresh strawberries of the season. Their soft, dreamy texture combined with the sweetness of the strawberries and whipped cream makes for a delightful end to any meal. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear in no time!