If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of classic strawberry shortcake into a simple bar form, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a laid-back summer dessert. With layers of buttery shortcake, lush strawberries, and billowy whipped cream, every bite feels like a sweet celebration of the season. These bars are as gorgeous as they are irresistible, effortlessly capturing everything we love about summer sweets in a pan.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer lies in their simplicity—each ingredient shines and works together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Every component serves a purpose, from richness and tenderness to a burst of sunny berry flavor.

Unsalted butter: Softened for the creamiest shortcake texture and that rich, melt-in-your mouth feel.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the base and the strawberries.
Large eggs: Bind the batter together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Gives the bars warm, comforting notes that elevate the whole dessert.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for the shortcake base—perfect for slicing into neat bars.
Baking powder: Lends a gentle lift for a soft, cake-like bite.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all those sweet and buttery flavors.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show, bursting with juicy, summery goodness.
Additional sugar (optional): A sprinkle to sweeten extra-tart berries, if needed.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry layer so you get perfectly gooey bars, not soggy bottoms.
Whipped cream or whipped topping: An ethereal finishing touch that brings it all together.
White chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar: Adds a little flair and sweetness for serving.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to let the edges hang over for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper for extra insurance—this ensures your Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer release effortlessly and keep their neat bar shape.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—think pale and airy. This step sets the stage for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base. Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then pour in the vanilla extract. The result should look creamy and dreamy!

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently mix these dry ingredients into your wet batter. Only mix until just combined—overmixing makes bars tough. The dough should be thick, almost like cookie dough, which guarantees sturdy, delicious layers in these Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer.

Step 4: Layer the Batter

Scoop about two-thirds of your dough into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or your (clean!) hands. This forms the soft, buttery base where all the strawberry magic happens.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberries

In a small bowl, toss your fresh chopped strawberries with cornstarch and an optional sprinkle of sugar (especially if your berries are on the tart side). The cornstarch helps soak up juices so your bars slice up neatly, not soggy. Level the berries evenly across the shortcake base—you want ruby-red pockets in every bite.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough all over the berries—it won’t cover completely, and that’s exactly what you want. The little peeks of strawberry make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer look rustic and inviting.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma filling your kitchen will be downright intoxicating!

Step 8: Cool and Top

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is the hardest part, but so worth it for perfect slices. For the final flourish, top with generous swirls of whipped cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar (or both), and maybe a pretty white chocolate drizzle. Now they’re ready to serve and steal the show!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference! Try a cloud of whipped cream piped on each bar, a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look, or drizzling with melted white chocolate for extra decadence. Even a few sliced fresh strawberries on top bring irresistible color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer with a pitcher of iced tea, fresh lemonade, or cold brew coffee. For a full dessert platter, offer them alongside other summer favorites like lemon bars or a simple fruit salad. The bars’ buttery richness plays well with cool, refreshing sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the bars into small bite-sized pieces and spear them with cocktail picks, or serve in cupcake liners for easy, grab-and-go treats. You can also stack them on a vintage cake stand for a picnic-chic display, or layer pieces with additional whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for a showy single-serve dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer in an airtight container in the fridge, especially if they’re topped with whipped cream. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for busy summer days.

Freezing

Want to savor summer a little longer? Skip the final whipped cream, tightly wrap your cooled bars, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add the toppings just before serving. The shortcake base stays buttery and the strawberry layer remains vibrant even after freezing.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars a bit warm (who could blame you?), just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This helps soften the shortcake and makes the berries even juicier—just be sure to add the whipped cream or chocolate drizzle afterward so they don’t melt away.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries and pat off excess moisture before chopping and tossing with cornstarch. Keep in mind, frozen berries tend to release more liquid, so the filling may be a little softer, but your Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer will still be delicious.

What’s the best pan size for these bars?

A standard 9×13-inch baking pan works perfectly for thick, easy-to-slice bars. If you like taller bars, use a slightly smaller pan and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for regular all-purpose flour. The result is just as tender and delicious—no one will know the difference!

Are these bars best served cold or at room temperature?

They are fantastic served chilled straight from the fridge on a hot day or at room temperature to showcase the soft shortcake crumb. Either way, Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer are ultra-refreshing and satisfying.

How do I keep the shortcake base from getting soggy?

Make sure you toss the berries with cornstarch and don’t skip the step! Also, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, so the filling can firm up nicely and you get perfect layers with no soggy bottoms.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress friends and family or simply treat yourself to a taste of sunshine, Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer are the sweet shortcut you’ve been looking for. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a cherished hit all season long. Give them a try—you’ll be dreaming about them long after summer’s over!

Strawberry Shortcake Bars : Easy Desserts for Summer Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful summer treat that combines a buttery shortcake base with sweet, juicy strawberries. Topped with whipped cream or a white chocolate drizzle, they are perfect for picnics, parties, or a simple dessert at home.

Instructions

Prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Make the shortcake base: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The dough will be thick.
Layer the batter: Spread about two-thirds of the batter into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
Prepare the strawberries: Toss chopped strawberries with cornstarch and a bit of sugar if desired. Spread evenly over the batter.
Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the strawberry layer. It won’t cover completely—that’s okay!
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and top: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Top with whipped cream or dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American