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Strawberry Shortcake Bars

A buttery sponge base layered with light cream and topped with fresh glazed strawberries—these Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
Servings 12 Servings
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Sponge Base

  • 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cream Layer

  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 oz 225 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup 40 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Glaze Topping

  • 1 lb 450 g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1/4 cup 60 ml water
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup 50 g granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp strawberry jam or jelly

Instructions

Prepare the Sponge Base

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan.
  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
  • Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  • Spread batter evenly into the pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • Let cool completely in the pan.

Make the Cream Layer

  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, zest, and vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
  • Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
  • Spread over cooled sponge base and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Glaze & Assemble

  • In a saucepan, whisk water, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Heat until thickened and translucent, then stir in strawberry jam.
  • Let cool slightly. Arrange strawberries on chilled cream layer.
  • Spoon glaze over strawberries and chill for 1 hour until set.
  • Slice and serve cold.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace the cream layer with a mix of Greek yogurt and light whipped topping.
Bars can be made a day ahead—add strawberries and glaze just before serving for best texture.
Store chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Calories: 220kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, European
Keyword: creamy strawberry bars, easy strawberry dessert, light strawberry slice, strawberry shortcake bars, summer dessert