Strawberry Shortcake Bars
My Strawberry Shortcake Bars pack all the flavor of shortcake into a hand-held bar. They have a crunchy sugar-cookie crust and a fluffy strawberry-cream-cheese filling. Best of all they're ready in around 30 minutes.
I love strawberry desserts in the summer like my strawberry cheesecake, strawberry poke cake, and my strawberry cake roll. If supermarket ice-cream bars and grandma's strawberry shortcake had a love child, these fresh strawberry shortcake bars would be the result. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any time you need a no-fork dessert that still feels special.
Once everything sets in the fridge, every bite delivers a crispy creamy sweet treat with no fork or plate required.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional strawberry shortcake requires last-minute assembly while these are make ahead friendly.
- Sturdy Crust That Holds Up To the Filling: Using sugar cookies that are baked into a crust prevents them from getting soggy.
- Real Strawberry Flavor: No Jello or artificial colors here!
- Perfect Slices Every time: Chilling in the freezer gives you food magazine worthy slices
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Sugar Cookies: Look for crispy varieties that will better hold their shape. Avoid super soft varieties like Lofthouse. I used cookies from Walmart's bakery. Vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even graham crackers work as substitutes.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it is softened to room temperature to prevent lumps. Speed the process by cutting into cubes and letting sit for 30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second intervals until soft.
- Heavy Cream: . Cool Whip can be used in a pinch.
- Strawberries: Choose plump, deep red berries with bright green leaves. Avoid berries with white tips which can indicate they are underripe.
Krystle's Tips
- Line Your Pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang to easily lift the bars out.
- Pack the Crust Firmly using the flat bottom of a drinking glass. Press evenly into corners and edges.
- Chill Your Equipment. I like to put my mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Cold tools create faster, more stable peaks.
FAQs
Yes! Thaw them completely and drain excess juice before folding into the cream cheese mixture. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent watery filling.
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More Easy Desserts To Try
Cherry Pie Bars (with Pie Filling)
📖 Recipe
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups Crushed Sugar Cookies Homemade or Store Bought, Divided
- ½ Cup White Sugar
- 6 Tablespoons Melted Butter
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Pound Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 pan with non stick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl mix 1 ½ cups of crushed sugar cookies and butter until blended. Press into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- While the crust is cooling, wash, hull, and slice strawberries.
- Combine heavy cream and sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form. Fold in cream cheese and strawberries.
- Spread on top of cooled crust. Top with remaining sugar cookies.
- Store in the freezer for a cool summer treat.
Nutrition
This was a showstopper dessert at our friends ' get-together. The shortcake bars were delicious, and everyone appreciated them. Thank you for sharing.