Strawberry Shortcake Bars are like a sweet hug on a summer day, with layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream that dance together in perfect harmony. The moment you take a bite, the sweetness bursts in your mouth, making it impossible not to smile.

These delicious bars remind me of my childhood summers spent at my grandma’s house. She would whip up a batch every time we had family gatherings, and there was always a race to grab the first piece. Perfect for picnics or backyard barbecues, these treats promise to elevate any occasion into a delightful celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level
- Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and freshness that is irresistible
- With their vibrant colors and textures, they make a stunning addition to any dessert table
- These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime – breakfast, snack time, or dessert
I remember serving these bars at my last family reunion everyone went back for seconds and thirds while I secretly hoped there would be leftovers
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor look for bright red berries without blemishes.
- All-Purpose Flour: This will form the base of your cake sift it for a lighter texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness adjust based on your taste preference.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in your recipe.
- Baking Powder: This helps the bars rise and stay fluffy make sure it’s fresh
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness substitute with almond milk if desired.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavors beautifully avoid imitation for best results.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For luscious whipped cream topping chill before whipping for better volume.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens your whipped cream without any graininess sift before using.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should feel airy and smell sweet after about 3 minutes of beating.
Add dry ingredients: Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined do not overmix or your bars will be dense.
Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into your greased baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and slice: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, cut into squares or rectangles as desired.
Make the whipped cream: While the cake cools, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This creamy topping should be light and fluffy – perfect for slathering on top
Assemble the bars: Once cooled completely, layer sliced strawberries on top of each square and generously spoon whipped cream over them. Garnish with additional strawberry slices if desired.
Serve & enjoy: These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are best served immediately but can also be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy every last bite
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake bars are the perfect summer treat, blending sweetness and tartness in every bite
- The vibrant colors and heavenly aroma will entice your guests before they even taste them
- They’re easy to make, so you can impress without the stress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first, then whip up the strawberry filling while it cools for efficiency. This ensures your bars have the ideal texture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with different extracts or spices to give your dessert a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry shortcake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but they’re best served chilled.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh strawberries for maximum flavor frozen ones can turn mushy and watery
- Let your bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a delightful finishing touch
Sharing my first attempt at making strawberry shortcake bars was a hilarious disaster my friends couldn’t stop laughing at my flour-covered kitchen
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry shortcake bars?
Using frozen strawberries is not recommended as they may make the bars soggy.
How long do strawberry shortcake bars last?
These delicious bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
What’s the best way to cut strawberry shortcake bars?
Let them cool completely before slicing to achieve clean, beautiful pieces.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the ultimate summer dessert, combining layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream into a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these bars are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of summer with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl; gradually add to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Layer sliced strawberries on each square and top with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg