Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars

If you adore the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake but are looking for a fun and portable twist, these Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars are exactly what you need. Imagine layers of tender, buttery shortcake topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and pillowy whipped cream, all baked into a convenient bar form. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a delightful treat any time of day. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Why Cooks Rave About It

The beauty of Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars lies in their balance of textures and flavors. The shortcake layer is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the luscious topping, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness and a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the cream. Because these bars are baked, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious dessert that’s easy to serve and share. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can dress them up with a drizzle of White Chocolate Buttercream for a special occasion or keep them simple for everyday enjoyment.

The Essentials

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your shortcake, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For richness and a moist crumb.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps your shortcake rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances flavors.
• 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the batter and aids in texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and juiciness.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For the whipped cream topping.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream lightly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the whipped cream with flavor.

Must-Have Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal size to bake the bars evenly.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing batter and whipping cream.
• Electric mixer or whisk: To whip the cream to soft peaks.
• Spatula: For folding ingredients gently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy ensures the best results.
• Knife and cutting board: For slicing strawberries.

Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the softened unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Bake the Shortcake Base

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the toppings.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip or the cream will become grainy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Once the shortcake base has cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries generously on the cream layer. For an extra touch, you can lightly press some strawberries into the cream for better adherence.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the layers set and the flavors meld. When ready, cut into bars and serve chilled. These bars are delightful on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

• Warm weather: Add a splash of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a refreshing citrus note.
• Cool weather: Warm up a batch of Homemade Strawberry Shortcake sauce to drizzle over the bars for extra coziness.
• All seasons: Swap fresh strawberries for frozen berries when out of season, just thaw and drain well before using.

Don’t Do This

• Don’t skip chilling the shortcake base before adding the cream—warm cake will cause the cream to melt and slide off.
• Don’t overwhip the cream; it should hold its shape but remain soft and airy.
• Avoid using canned or artificial strawberry toppings; fresh fruit provides the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t forget to cool the bars completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and neat servings.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

These bars are best enjoyed within 2 days of preparation. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain the cream’s fluffiness and the strawberries’ freshness. If you want to prepare ahead, you can bake the shortcake base up to 2 days early, keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature, and assemble the bars just before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the bars soggy.

How do I make the whipped cream more stable?

To stabilize whipped cream, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch or use a commercial whipped cream stabilizer. This helps it hold its shape longer, especially in warmer environments.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

What is the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This will give you clean slices without dragging the cream and strawberries.

Cook This Next

• Homemade Strawberry Shortcake – For another take on this classic dessert.
• White Chocolate Buttercream – A luscious frosting that pairs beautifully with these bars.
• Lemon Bars – A tangy treat to complement your strawberry creations.
• Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies – A simple homemade cookie recipe everyone loves.

Save & Share

Love these Strawberry Shortcake Cream Bars? Bookmark this recipe for easy access later, and share it with friends and family who enjoy classic flavors with a fun twist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a solo indulgence, these bars will quickly become a staple go-to dessert. Be sure to tag your photos and share your baking success to inspire others!

Delight in the sweet simplicity of these bars that capture the essence of strawberry shortcake in a convenient, handheld form. They’re a luscious treat that’s sure to brighten any day with every bite.

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