Strawberry shortcake bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering the perfect blend of buttery crust, sweet strawberries, and a crumbly oat topping. These bars are a fantastic treat for spring and summer gatherings or a cozy afternoon at home.
The magic of these bars starts with the all-purpose flour, which forms the base of our crust. It's the backbone that holds everything together. The granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust, while the unsalted butter gives it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and a touch of vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma to the mix.
For the filling, fresh, juicy strawberries are the star. Paired with cornstarch, they thicken beautifully to create a luscious layer. A bit of brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes to the strawberries.
Finally, rolled oats and melted butter combine to form a crumbly, golden topping that adds texture and a hint of nuttiness to the bars.
Serve these strawberry shortcake bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. They’re also fantastic with a glass of chilled rosé or a refreshing iced tea.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready once the crust is prepared. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper; it’ll make removing the bars a breeze later.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes, just until it starts to set.
While the crust is baking, grab a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the strawberries, cornstarch, and brown sugar. Stir constantly as the mixture cooks and thickens, which should take around 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from heat.
Pour the strawberry filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the whole surface. In another bowl, mix the oats and melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture over the strawberry filling, ensuring it's evenly distributed for that perfect crumble topping.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Be patient and let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help them hold their shape better.
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