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.
One warm summer afternoon, I was reminiscing about childhood picnics in my garden, surrounded by strawberries, laughter, and the smell of freshly baked shortcake. That memory inspired me to create Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars a simple, yet indulgent dessert that brings the joy of strawberry shortcake into a convenient, shareable bar form. These bars combine tender shortcake, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped topping, and every bite feels like a hug from the past. I promise, you’ll want to make them again and again.
I’ve made these bars countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even cozy nights at home. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s straightforward, comforting, and full of love the kind of dessert that makes you smile before you even take a bite.
Why I Love Making Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars
There’s something magical about strawberries and shortcake. Their combination is both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for creating memories in the kitchen. I love these bars because they’re easy to slice, share, and serve, unlike traditional shortcakes that can be fussy to plate. Plus, they let me channel my love for baking without spending hours in the kitchen.
Every time I make these bars, I think about how food has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s my nieces giggling while helping me layer strawberries, or my friends gathering around the table with steaming mugs of tea, these bars always spark smiles and conversation.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Little kitchen secrets:
- Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum sweetness.
- Chill the whipped cream bowl for 10 minutes it whips faster and stays fluffy longer.
- Lightly grease your pan and line it with parchment paper for easy bar removal.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the shortcake base: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
- Layer strawberries: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam over the cooled shortcake, then top with sliced fresh strawberries.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving these bars chilled, straight from the fridge, with a few extra strawberry slices on top for a pretty, inviting look. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For family gatherings, I cut them into bite-sized squares so everyone can grab one easily. At picnics or summer parties, I pack them in a sturdy container and serve chilled hold beautifully and still taste divine.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the base layer (without whipped cream) for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before adding strawberries and whipped cream.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the bars completely up to 2 hours before serving. For longer storage, keep whipped cream separate until serving time.
100-Word Short Version
These Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars are a cozy, easy-to-make treat that combines tender shortcake, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. I start by baking a buttery shortcake base, then layer it with strawberry jam and juicy strawberry slices. Finally, I spread lightly sweetened whipped cream on top and chill for a couple of hours. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a sweet end to any meal, these bars are simple, comforting, and shareable. Each bite is a nostalgic hug, reminding me why I love baking and sharing food it’s all about creating memories and spreading joy through simple, delicious desserts.
Recipe Card Section (Before Conclusion)
⏱️ Time
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 25 min
Chill: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 45 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.
- Spread batter in pan and bake 20–25 minutes. Cool.
- Spread strawberry jam and layer fresh strawberries.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla; spread over strawberries.
- Chill 2 hours and slice into bars.
📝 Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill bowl before whipping cream.
- Can make base ahead and freeze.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars are a cozy, easy-to-make dessert featuring a tender shortcake base, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a sweet treat anytime, each bar is a hug in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour; mix until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Spread strawberry jam over the cooled shortcake, then layer sliced strawberries.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form; spread over strawberry layer.
- Chill at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Chill the mixing bowl for whipped cream to ensure it whips quickly and stays fluffy.
- The shortcake base can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Conclusion
Every time I make these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with cooking. It’s not just about creating something delicious it’s about making moments that matter. From sharing a simple dessert with family to watching friends’ faces light up at the first bite, these bars bring warmth, joy, and sweetness to life. I hope this recipe inspires you to bake, share, and create your own cherished memories in the kitchen.