Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Bright, buttery shortbread topped with juicy strawberries, these bars are a quick and shareable dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fruit filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt until a shortbread dough forms. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
Baking
- Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges.
- Meanwhile, mix the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; let sit for 10 minutes to become juicy.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the prebaked crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the edges are set.
Serving
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting into squares, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
Use very ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.