Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

Update : January 28, 2026

Delicious strawberry shortcake bars ready to be served on a plate

Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the taste of summer. With juicy strawberries, a crumbly topping, and a sweet glaze, these bars make a perfect dessert for any occasion. They are easy to prepare and can be served at gatherings, picnics, or just to enjoy at home. Plus, they are a fun twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups (250g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (45g) packed light brown sugar
¾ cup (170g) salted butter, melted (or add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
3 cups (400g) chopped fresh strawberries (each strawberry quartered then halved to yield about 8 pieces per strawberry)
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (9g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) light or heavy whipping cream
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on each side for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt (if using unsalted butter). Make sure there are no lumps, especially from the brown sugar.
Add the melted salted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until it begins to come together. Use your fingertips to toss and form large crumbs.
Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use floured hands and an offset spatula to smooth the surface.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set aside to cool slightly.
In another bowl, mix the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour carefully. This will coat the fruit evenly.
Spoon this strawberry mixture evenly over the slightly cooled baked crust layer in the pan.
Crumble the remaining one-third of the crust mixture evenly on top of the strawberry layer. The strawberries will stay visible between the crumbs.
Bake again for 30-35 minutes until the strawberry juices bubble and the crumb topping turns golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
Once glazed, cut into 12 bars and serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra sweetness. These bars also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best taste and texture.
You can substitute unsalted butter if you prefer, but remember to add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients.
For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon juice or zest to the strawberries.

Variation

You can change the berries in this recipe! Try raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for different flavors. You can also experiment with adding a layer of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting between layers for a richer taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.

2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars before or after glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.