Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Chilled strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful treat that brings together the best of summer flavors in a simple and easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet craving at home, these bars offer a refreshing twist on classic strawberry shortcake. With layers of creamy filling and fresh strawberries, they stand out as a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect even for beginners.
• Fresh Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cream creates a light, fruity taste that captures the essence of summer.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners—these bars fit any occasion.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and refrigerate for an effortless dessert ready when you are.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With 12 servings, this recipe is ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure your strawberry shortcake bars turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all your ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly for an even texture.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for this recipe, ensuring even baking and easy slicing.

Ingredients

Chilled strawberry shortcake bars are a light and easy twist on a classic dessert with simple steps and lots of fresh berry flavor.

Ingredients:
– ½ cup butter, (softened)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 pint strawberries
– 8 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
– ¼-½ cup powdered sugar
– 8 ounces cool whip, (thawed)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the Cool Whip from the freezer to thaw. Hull and slice the strawberries and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Beat the sugar and butter until creamy.
2. Mix in eggs, baking powder, and salt.
3. Alternate between adding in the flour and milk, beating after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Pour batter evenly into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; the cake should be flat and light in color. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In another large bowl:
1. Cream together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and thawed Cool Whip until smooth.
2. Evenly spread this mixture over the top of the cooled cake.

Step 5: Add Strawberries

Top with sliced strawberries evenly across the cream cheese layer.

Step 6: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together nicely.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Shortcake Bars! They are bound to be a hit at any dessert table!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Serving strawberry shortcake bars can enhance their delightful flavors and make them even more enjoyable for everyone. These simple serving suggestions will help elevate your dessert presentation and impress your guests.

Individual Portions

• Use small plates to serve individual portions of the bars. This allows guests to enjoy their own slice without needing to cut the dessert themselves.

Topped with Fresh Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each bar. This creamy addition complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Garnished with Mint

• Sprinkle fresh mint leaves over the bars before serving. The mint adds a refreshing touch and enhances the visual appeal.

Served with Extra Strawberries

• Offer additional sliced strawberries on the side. Guests can top their bars with more fruit for an extra burst of flavor.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair the bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages provide a nice contrast to the cool, creamy dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars

To make the best strawberry shortcake bars, follow these helpful tips that ensure you achieve a delicious result every time.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries not only taste better but also add vibrant color and freshness to your dessert.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream cheese mixture. This prevents it from melting and ensures better layering.
• Thaw Cool Whip Properly: Make sure to thaw Cool Whip in the refrigerator for several hours before using it. This maintains its fluffy texture when mixed.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cream cheese mixture and adjust powdered sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
• Refrigerate Before Serving: Refrigerating for at least 3 hours helps set the bars, making them easier to cut and serve.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add lemon zest or vanilla bean to enhance the flavor of your cream cheese mixture.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Strawberry shortcake bars are delightful on their own, but they can be perfectly complemented by various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits complements strawberry shortcake beautifully and adds freshness.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Serve with skewers for dipping; this indulgent pairing offers guests a fun way to enjoy additional flavors alongside their dessert.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthful side that contrasts nicely with sweet bars.
4. Pineapple Sorbet: This light, fruity sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying rich strawberry shortcake bars.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness while offering guests different flavors and textures.
6. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Provide refreshing beverages that pair well with dessert, enhancing the overall experience with their crisp taste.
7. Mini Cupcakes: Offer a variety of mini cupcakes as an additional treat, allowing guests to sample more than one dessert option.
8. Nuts & Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix serves as a savory counterpoint, perfect for those who enjoy textures alongside sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making strawberry shortcake bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch for.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until all ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Not Cooling Completely: If you don’t let the cake cool completely, the cream cheese layer can melt. Be patient and allow it to cool fully before adding toppings.
• Using Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Always use fresh fruit for optimal taste.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your baking time. Overbaking can cause the bars to dry out, while underbaking may result in a gooey center.
• Skipping Vanilla Extract: The vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the bars. Don’t skip this key ingredient for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry shortcake bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

Strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful dessert combining layers of cake, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, offering a twist on traditional strawberry shortcake.

Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these bars up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What variations can I try with Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

You can customize your bars by adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries. For a twist, try adding lemon zest or almond extract for added flavor.

How do I serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars?

These bars are best served chilled. Cut them into squares and enjoy as finger food at parties or gatherings.

Are Strawberry Shortcake Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free strawberry shortcake bars, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking times if needed.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry shortcake bars are not only simple but also versatile enough for any occasion. This dessert combines creamy layers with fresh berries, creating an irresistible treat. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or flavors, making it perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!

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Chilled Strawberry Shortcake Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Chilled strawberry shortcake bars are the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer. This delightful dessert features layers of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, making it ideal for gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Easy to prepare and deliciously refreshing, these bars stand out as a crowd-pleaser that will impress your friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pint strawberries (sliced)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼–½ cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs, baking powder, and salt; mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and milk alternately to the mixture, stirring until combined. Incorporate vanilla extract.
4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
5. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and Cool Whip until smooth; spread over cooled cake.
6. Layer sliced strawberries on top and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg