If you have a soft spot for sweets that combine fruity freshness with a tender, buttery base, then this Strawberry Bars Recipe is made just for you. These bars offer a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, showcasing the bright sweetness of strawberries in every bite, wrapped in a moist cake-like layer, and topped with a luscious, creamy strawberry glaze. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a charming treat to brighten your afternoon, these strawberry bars are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making these scrumptious bars. Each component plays a crucial role: from the richness of the butter to the zing of strawberry extract, every element brings depth and balance to the final creation.
- Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides a rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor that’s essential for the base.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a soft texture when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs (3, room temperature): Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the foundation of the bar’s texture, giving it the right balance between cakey and firm.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Leavens the bars just enough for a light, fluffy outcome.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Strawberry extract (1 tsp): Intensifies the strawberry flavor for that unmistakable fruity punch.
- Buttermilk (1/4 cup): Adds tang and moisture, keeping the bars tender and moist.
- Strawberry jam (1 cup): The star filling that brings vibrant color and luscious strawberry taste.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Used in the glaze for a smooth, velvety finish that’s not overly sweet.
- Mash of fresh strawberries (2-3): Freshness in the glaze adds natural flavor and beautiful flecks of color.
- Milk (2-3 tsp): Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the glaze.
- Optional extra strawberry extract (1/4 tsp): For those who want an extra explosion of strawberry goodness in the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by creaming the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air, giving your strawberry bars a lovely lift. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the batter, which helps your bars bake uniformly with a balanced taste.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Stir in the strawberry extract gently but thoroughly. This back-and-forth mixing keeps the batter tender without overworking the flour.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Spoon half of the batter into a greased baking pan and smooth evenly. Spread the strawberry jam across this layer, then carefully dollop and spread the remaining batter on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars will be golden and slightly springy to the touch when done.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
While the bars cool, combine powdered sugar, mashed fresh strawberries, milk, and the optional extra strawberry extract in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. The glaze adds a radiant finish with an extra berry burst that perfectly complements the tender bars.
Step 6: Glaze and Set
Pour the strawberry glaze over the cooled bars and spread gently. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This creates a delightful contrast of textures with the sweet, slightly tangy glaze atop the soft cake beneath.
How to Serve Strawberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Easy embellishments like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or thinly sliced fresh strawberries can make your strawberry bars look as amazing as they taste. Mint sprigs can add a fresh aroma and a beautiful pop of green that complements the red hues perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with whipped cream, a dollop of vanilla ice cream, or even a scoop of plain yogurt for a refreshing balance. Their light sweetness also plays wonderfully alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee, making for an inviting dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cutting your strawberry bars into small squares or rectangles allows for perfect finger food at gatherings. For a festive touch, serve them on a decorative platter lined with strawberry leaves or edible flowers. You can even stack the bars with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries to turn them into an impressive layered dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your strawberry bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration for up to five days works well, though the texture may become slightly denser.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to three months without sacrificing taste or texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy strawberry bars warm, gently heat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the bars from drying out and to maintain that perfect gooey strawberry glaze.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam in the Strawberry Bars Recipe?
You can use fresh strawberries, but jam provides a thicker, spreadable consistency that helps maintain the bars’ structure. If using fresh, cook them down slightly with sugar to mimic the jam’s texture and sweetness.
Is it possible to make these strawberry bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to give structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
How long will the Strawberry Bars Recipe take from start to finish?
The actual prep is quite quick, about 15-20 minutes, with baking and cooling adding roughly 35-40 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend around an hour to have these delightful bars ready to enjoy.
Can I make the glaze without fresh strawberries?
Absolutely. While fresh strawberries add extra flavor and color, you can omit them and simply use powdered sugar mixed with milk and strawberry extract. The glaze will still be delicious and smooth.
What causes strawberry bars to be too crumbly?
If your bars are crumbly, it could be due to overbaking or incorrect flour measurement. Make sure to measure your flour properly and avoid overbaking by testing doneness with a toothpick. Proper creaming of butter and sugar also helps create a tender, cohesive crumb.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade strawberry bars that beautifully balances simplicity with irresistible flavor. This Strawberry Bars Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a burst of joy and freshness to your kitchen any day of the week. I hope you find as much delight in making and savoring these bars as I do sharing them with friends. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Strawberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a tender buttery base infused with strawberry extract, a luscious layer of strawberry jam, and a sweet powdered sugar glaze enhanced with fresh strawberries. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these bars are ideal for an afternoon treat or a festive dessert.
Ingredients
Base
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp strawberry extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 strawberries, mashed
- 2–3 tsp milk
- Optional: 1/4 tsp strawberry extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix in the strawberry extract and buttermilk.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form a smooth batter.
- Bake the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Add the Strawberry Jam Layer: Spread the 1 cup of strawberry jam evenly over the slightly cooled base, ensuring full coverage.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, mashed strawberries, and milk. Add the optional 1/4 tsp strawberry extract if desired. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Apply the Glaze: Drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the jam layer. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed up the setting.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut the bars into 9 equal pieces. Serve and enjoy your fresh, flavorful strawberry bars.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Use fresh or high-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar if needed.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
