Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

Today, I’m sharing my all-time favorite Strawberry Cake Bars with Strawberry Filling recipe. I remember the first time I made these bars it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and the smell of fresh strawberries baking in my kitchen filled every corner of my home. My niece and nephew were visiting, and as soon as these bars came out of the oven, we all gathered around the kitchen table, sharing bites and stories. There’s something magical about a dessert that’s sweet, fruity, and easy to share, and that’s exactly why I love making these strawberry cake bars.

These bars are soft, moist, and layered with a luscious strawberry filling that tastes like summer in every bite. Whether I’m making them for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or just to brighten up a dull day, they always bring smiles. The best part? They’re simple to make, yet feel like a special treat.

I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, using fresh strawberries whenever possible, and I’ve found that the strawberry filling really makes these bars irresistible. If you’ve ever loved a classic strawberry shortcake, you’ll adore these bars they’re like a portable, shareable version that everyone can enjoy.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about baking with strawberries. Maybe it’s their bright red color or their natural sweetness that reminds me of childhood summer days picking berries in the garden. I love how this recipe is straightforward enough for beginners, yet it creates a dessert that feels elegant and homemade.

The Strawberry Cake Bars with Strawberry Filling combine my favorite textures: a tender, buttery cake base, a fruity and slightly tangy strawberry filling, and a soft top layer that keeps everything cozy and sweet. I love making these bars for family and friends because they’re easy to slice and serve, and they’re perfect for sharing stories around the table.

Another reason I love this recipe is the flexibility. You can add a drizzle of white chocolate on top, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even fold in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor. But even as-is, these bars are a showstopper!

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s what you’ll need to make these magical strawberry bars:

For the Cake Bars:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon juice

Little Kitchen Secrets:

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the filling it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Let the butter and eggs come to room temperature for a tender, moist cake.
If you like, lightly toast the top of the bars with a kitchen torch or broiler for extra depth.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Combine with Buttermilk: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix!
Pour and Spread: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth it evenly with a spatula.
Make the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and slightly translucent. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
Layer the Filling: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
Add Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining cake batter over the strawberry layer in dollops, then gently spread it to cover as much as possible (it’s okay if some filling peeks through).
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake layer comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

How I Serve It at Home

I love serving these Strawberry Cake Bars with Strawberry Filling on a simple white platter to really showcase the vibrant red filling. Sometimes I add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon, or as a sweet dessert after dinner.

For family gatherings, I often cut them into small squares and let everyone grab a piece kids especially love that the strawberry filling is gooey and sweet. They also travel well, so I sometimes bring them along to picnics or potlucks.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cake batter and strawberry filling the night before. Assemble and bake the next day for fresh, delightful bars.

100-Word Short Version

These Strawberry Cake Bars with Strawberry Filling are soft, moist, and packed with sweet, fruity goodness. A buttery cake base cradles a luscious strawberry filling, creating a dessert perfect for sharing. I love how simple and comforting they are mixing basic ingredients, layering the strawberry goodness, and baking until golden. Serve them at family gatherings, afternoon tea, or just because. Store in an airtight container, or freeze for later. Every bite brings memories of cozy kitchens, laughter, and the joy of sharing homemade treats. These bars are more than dessert they’re a warm hug in every bite.

Conclusion

Baking these Strawberry Cake Bars with Strawberry Filling has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. Every time I slice them, I think of the laughter, the shared stories, and the simple joy of homemade treats. They’re easy to make, heartwarming, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just for yourself, these bars remind us that food isn’t just about nourishment it’s about creating memories and celebrating life’s sweet moments. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 🍓💛

Ingredients

Instructions

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