Bright, vibrant, and full of juicy berry flavor, this Strawberry Bars Recipe is the kind of treat that instantly transports you to the sunniest days of summer! Imagine tender, buttery layers sandwiching sweet, jammy strawberries — all finished with a pretty drizzle of glaze. Whether you’re looking for a picnic-ready dessert or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are as easy as they are irresistible. With simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can whip up a panful to share or (let’s be honest) keep all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Bars Recipe is that every ingredient brings something unique to the party: flavor, texture, color, or just a little extra sparkle. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and why you won’t want to swap a thing.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these bars their rich, tender crumb and deliciously buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that golden, almost caramelized edge.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor, making the bars taste a little cozier.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together for the perfect soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and gives that irresistible bakery aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides the structure for both the sturdy base and the crumbly topping.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds just enough lift for a soft, tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and sharpens the strawberry flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, chopped): The stars of the show! Juicy and bursting with tart-sweet berry flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens up the strawberry layer just enough so your bars aren’t runny.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling and brings out the natural sweetness of the berries.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, for strawberries): Adds a touch of sweetness to the berry mixture, encouraging a bit of juicy syrup.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Combines with milk for a silky glaze that ties everything together.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This little bit of prep work guarantees easy removal and beautiful, clean slices in your Strawberry Bars Recipe. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You want lots of air whipped in — this is what gives your bars their dreamy texture. A handheld or stand mixer works best, but a sturdy wooden spoon and some effort will do in a pinch!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs (one at a time!) and the vanilla extract until everything looks smooth and perfectly combined. Don’t rush this step, as it helps create that luscious, even crumb in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In another bowl, quickly whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing will lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as the dough is cohesive.
Step 5: Build Your Layers
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. This forms the buttery foundation that makes each bar so satisfying. Don’t fret about perfection — rustic charm is welcome here!
Step 6: Make and Add the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and that extra bit of sugar. When the strawberries glisten and look lightly syrupy, spread them over your dough base in an even layer. The cornstarch will work its magic in the oven, thickening everything up.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Spoon the remaining dough in dollops over the berry layer, leaving some strawberries peeking through. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 8: Cool, Glaze, and Slice
Once baked, let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk for a simple glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled bars. Slice into squares, and admire those gorgeous strawberry swirls!
How to Serve Strawberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of glaze makes these bars even more inviting. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few sliced strawberries, a mint leaf, or a little lemon zest right before serving—every little detail makes them feel special!
Side Dishes
These bars play beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big spoonful of whipped cream. Pair them with fresh summer berries on the side, or serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Strawberry Bars Recipe stacked on a tiered cake stand at a brunch, cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids, or nestled in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats at your next party. They’re gorgeous right out of the pan, but creative presentation always brings a little extra joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sneaking a midnight bar is highly encouraged!
Freezing
Strawberry Bars Recipe freezes well: just wrap the cooled, unglazed bars individually or layer between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the glaze before serving for that bakery-fresh taste.
Reheating
To enjoy slightly warm bars, pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the dough and brings the strawberries back to life—just wait until after reheating to add the glaze, so it doesn’t melt away.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully in the Strawberry Bars Recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Ensure it’s meant for 1:1 substitution for best results, and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
What other fruits can I use?
While this Strawberry Bars Recipe shines with strawberries, you can swap in raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries. Just follow the same steps, and enjoy a new fruity twist each time.
Do I have to use both granulated and brown sugar?
Using both sugars gives you the best of both worlds: granulated sugar for sweetness and crisp edges, brown sugar for depth and a hint of caramel. If you’re missing one, you can use just granulated sugar, though the flavor will shift slightly.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature and stir before drizzling over your cooled bars.
Final Thoughts
Give this Strawberry Bars Recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with every bite! It’s pure homemade goodness, easy enough for a lazy weekend but special enough to impress your favorite people. I hope it brings a burst of berry joy to your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity goodness of these Strawberry Bars. With a buttery crust, a juicy strawberry filling, and a sugary glaze, these bars are perfect for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble the bars: Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. In a medium bowl, toss the strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar. Spread the strawberry mixture over the dough. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top, leaving some berries visible.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and set. Cool completely.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberries or blueberries for strawberries.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in place of regular butter.
- Bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
