Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the perfect make-ahead summer dessert made with fluffy vanilla cake, sweet whipped cream, and juicy fresh strawberries. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy family treats, this handheld shortcake dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar (for macerating strawberries)
2 cups whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms.
6. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Toss sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and let sit for 15–20 minutes to macerate.
8. If using homemade whipped cream, beat cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
9. Spread whipped topping over cooled cake evenly.
10. Spoon strawberries and their juice over the top.
11. Chill for 30 minutes to set.
12. Slice into bars and serve cold.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture.
Let the cake cool fully before layering to avoid melting the cream.
Chill before slicing for cleaner presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg