Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars – Sweet Layers of Love and Summer Joy

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fati Bendahi 4 hours ago

0 0 6 minutes read

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The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.

I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

When I first made these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars, I wasn’t planning anything fancy. I just had a big bowl of fresh strawberries sitting on my counter, their sweet perfume filling my kitchen. In Crete, strawberries always remind me of spring afternoons, when the air feels soft and everything blooms at once. I wanted something comforting but easy to slice and serve something I could carry to a friend’s house or place in the center of the table for my family.

That’s how these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars became one of my favorite desserts. They have a buttery shortcake base, juicy strawberries that shine like rubies, and a cloud of whipped cream that melts gently into every bite. Every time I make these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of sunshine.

And let me tell you, when you cut into these bars and see those beautiful layers, you will feel proud. You will feel like you created something special with your own hands.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars because they feel elegant but stay simple. I don’t need complicated steps. I don’t need special tools. I just need good strawberries, butter, cream, and a little patience.

I also love that I can prepare them ahead of time. When I host family dinners, I always feel calmer when dessert waits quietly in the fridge. These bars slice beautifully and look so pretty on a serving plate.

Most of all, I love how they bring people together. My friends gather in my kitchen while I whip the cream. My daughter tries to “help” by sneaking strawberries. My husband always asks for the corner piece because he loves extra crust.

These bars feel like laughter. They feel like warm afternoons and women sharing stories around the table.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here is everything I use to make my Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars:

For the Shortcake Base:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

My Little Secrets:

Use cold butter. I always use cold butter straight from the fridge. Cold butter creates a tender, crumbly base that melts in your mouth.

Let the strawberries rest. When I mix strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, I let them sit. They release their natural juices and become glossy and sweet.

Chill the cream and bowl. I sometimes place my mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream. Cold cream whips faster and holds its shape better.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I make these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars with calm, steady movements. I enjoy each step.

I preheat my oven to 175°C (350°F).
I line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
In a large bowl, I mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
I add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter. I work until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
I add the egg and vanilla extract. I mix gently until a soft dough forms.
I press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. I use my hands to smooth the surface.
I bake for 20–25 minutes until the top turns lightly golden.
I remove the pan and let the base cool completely. I never rush this step.

While it cools:

I combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
I let them sit for about 15 minutes so they release their juices.

Then I prepare the cream:

I whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until soft peaks form. I stop as soon as the cream holds its shape.

Now I assemble:

I spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled shortcake base.
I spoon the strawberries and their juices gently over the cream.
I chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.

When I lift the bars from the pan and slice them, I feel so happy seeing those layers.

How I Serve It at Home

I serve these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars chilled, straight from the refrigerator. I cut them into neat squares and place them on a white serving plate.

Sometimes I add a small fresh strawberry on top of each bar. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar for a soft, snowy look.

When we sit outside on warm evenings, I serve them with iced coffee or homemade lemonade. During family dinners, I pair them with hot Greek coffee. The contrast between the creamy sweetness and the strong coffee tastes perfect.

These bars also travel beautifully. I take them to gatherings, birthdays, and women’s coffee mornings. They always disappear quickly.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars in the refrigerator, covered tightly. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.

I do not recommend freezing them after assembling because whipped cream can change texture. However, I sometimes bake the base ahead of time and freeze it separately. Then I thaw it, add fresh cream and strawberries, and serve.

For cleaner slices, I chill them well and wipe my knife between cuts. This small step makes a big difference.

100-Word Short Version

Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars combine a buttery shortcake base, sweet macerated strawberries, and fluffy homemade whipped cream. I bake a simple crumbly crust, let it cool completely, then layer it with freshly whipped cream and juicy strawberries. After chilling, I slice the dessert into beautiful bars that taste light, fresh, and comforting. These bars work perfectly for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or family dinners. I love making them ahead because they store well in the fridge and slice neatly. Every bite feels sweet, creamy, and full of sunshine.

Recipe Card

⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Add egg and vanilla. Mix into dough.
Press dough into pan.
Bake 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.
Mix strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Rest 15 minutes.
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.
Spread cream over cooled base.
Add strawberries on top.
Chill 1 hour before slicing.

📝 Notes

Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean slices. Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.

🍽️ Nutrition (per bar, approximate)
Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Conclusion

When I make Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of my heart. I watch my family reach for seconds. I hear laughter around the table. I see strawberries shining like little jewels against the cream.

Food does not need to be complicated to feel special. It just needs love, good ingredients, and hands willing to create something beautiful.

I hope you make these Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars in your kitchen soon. Let them bring sweetness to your home the way they bring sweetness to mine.

Fati Bendahi 4 hours ago

0 0 6 minutes read

Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Bars – Sweet Layers of Love and Summer Joy

The Story & Intro

Why I Love Making This Recipe