Hey y'all! If you're dreaming of classic strawberry shortcake with a fun twist, these Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars are just what you need. With a buttery shortbread crust, fluffy vanilla-rich cake, juicy strawberry filling, and a dollop of whipped cream, every bite is sweet, soft, and bursting with summer flavor. They're perfect for parties, picnics, or a casual weeknight dessert. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ultra easy to make—no fancy equipment or techniques required.
- Each bar layers sweet, fresh strawberries with a tender cake and buttery, crumbly base.
- Perfect for sharing at BBQs, potlucks, or as a fun after-school treat.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Great to make ahead for busy schedules or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- Whipped cream, for serving
Directions
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- In a medium bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons sugar. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Start the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined and a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Spread ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing it into an even layer with your fingers or a spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle the strawberry mixture over the dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the strawberries, leaving some berries peeking through for a pretty look.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Notes
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and simple cleanup.
- Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch—just thaw and drain well first.
Variations
- Swap in blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a sweeter finish.
- Fold lemon zest into the batter for a bright, zesty kick.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Serving Recommendations
- Top each bar with fresh whipped cream and extra strawberry slices.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm summer days.
- Serve alongside iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing dessert pairing.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the dough—this keeps the bars tender and light.
- Let the bars cool fully; if you’re in a hurry, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the berries before layering.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes! Just thaw and drain them well to remove extra moisture before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely—these bars taste great the day after baking and are perfect for prepping ahead.
- Do I have to use parchment paper?
- No, but it makes removing the bars much easier and helps with cleanup. Greasing the pan well also works.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
-
1In a medium bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons sugar. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the batter.
-
2Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.
-
3In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
-
4In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined and a soft dough forms.
-
5Spread ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing it into an even layer with your fingers or a spatula.
-
6Evenly sprinkle the strawberry mixture over the dough.
-
7Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the strawberries, leaving some berries peeking through for a pretty look.
-
8Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
-
9Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!






Leave a Reply