There’s something about strawberries that instantly brightens up a day. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon picnic or a cozy family gathering, strawberries seem to make everything feel a little more cheerful.

That’s exactly the feeling these Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars bring to your kitchen. Soft, buttery layers paired with a bright, fruity strawberry filling — it’s like a hug in dessert form.

Whenever I bake these bars, my kitchen fills with the sweet scent of vanilla and warm fruit. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent without being complicated, making it a go-to treat for casual weekends, summer parties, or even a simple after-dinner craving.

If you love the old-fashioned charm of strawberry shortcake but want an easier way to share it, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: DesertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

Bar

Prep Time

minutes

Bake Time

minutes

Calories

270

kcal

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe captures the heart of a classic dessert in a simple, handheld form. These bars are buttery, fruity, and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for “just one more” bite. They’re ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any moment that could use a little extra joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shortcake Base and Topping:
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, diced
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes the process easier and more fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Parchment paper
– Mixing bowls
– Pastry cutter or two forks
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk
– Rubber spatula
– Wire cooling rack

How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars

Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment if you want an even easier lift.
Make the Shortcake Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or two forks. You’re aiming for a crumbly mixture with pea-sized butter bits.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Pour this into the flour-butter mixture and stir until combined. The dough will be a bit crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Create the Strawberry Layer
In another bowl, gently toss the diced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This helps the fruit stay juicy but not watery during baking.
Assemble the Layers
Press about two-thirds of the shortcake dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the base. Crumble the remaining dough over the top — it’s okay if some strawberries peek through.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the strawberries are bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
Slice and Serve
Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares or rectangles. Serve plain or dusted with a little powdered sugar for extra charm.

Easy Ingredient Swaps You Can Try

You can easily tweak this recipe to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few simple ingredient swaps to keep these bars flexible and fun.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. (Perfect for fans of our [Easy Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins Recipe]!)
Berry Swap: Swap some or all strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the strawberry filling slightly if you prefer a tarter taste.

Can You Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars Ahead of Time?

If you’re planning for a party or prepping ahead for busy days, you’ll be happy to know these bars are wonderfully make-ahead friendly. Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh.

Prep the dough: You can mix the shortcake dough up to a day ahead. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Bake the full bars: Fully baked and cooled bars can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Storage Instructions for Maximum Freshness

Knowing how to store your Strawberry Shortcake Bars properly ensures they stay moist and delicious. Whether you’re keeping them on the counter, in the fridge, or freezing for later, here’s the best way to do it.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Bars

A few small tips can make a big difference when it comes to baking perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Here’s how to make sure your bars turn out golden, juicy, and utterly irresistible.

Use Cold Butter: Just like making biscuits, cold butter creates those irresistible tender layers.
Toss Berries with Cornstarch: This prevents the filling from getting too runny.
Let Them Cool: The bars need time to set up properly after baking — it’s worth the wait!
Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple vanilla or lemon glaze once cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still wondering about the best berries, freezing options, or making the recipe dairy-free? Here are answers to the most common questions about Strawberry Shortcake Bars.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes! No need to thaw them — just toss with the sugar and cornstarch mixture as directed. Expect slightly more moisture after baking.

Q: Can I make these bars dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use plant-based butter sticks and non-dairy milk. The texture will still be delicious!

Q: How do I make these extra special for a party?
A: Top cooled bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze before serving!

Ingredient Selection Tips for Better Bars

Choosing the right ingredients—especially the freshest strawberries and the best butter—can really take your bars to the next level. Here’s what to look for at the market.

Strawberries: Pick ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor.
Butter: Always choose high-quality unsalted butter for the richest taste.
Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemons — bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.

Serving Suggestions to Make It Even More Fun

Serving these bars with a little extra flair is easy and adds an extra layer of delight. Here are a few simple and fun ways to serve your Strawberry Shortcake Bars for any occasion.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea for a summer-perfect combo.
Sprinkle a little crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a pop of color and extra berry flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Bar)

Calories: ~270
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts: A Summer Favorite That Lasts All Year

These Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe aren’t just another sweet treat — they’re a little slice of happiness. Whether you serve them at a family barbecue, pack them for a sunny-day picnic, or sneak one with your morning coffee, they bring a burst of joy with every bite. Easy to make, beautiful to share, and downright irresistible — once you try them, you’ll find yourself baking these bars long after strawberry season ends.