Description
Indulge in these easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars! A golden, buttery crust cradles creamy, sweet filling and juicy macerated strawberries. Perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 2 tablespoons for strawberries)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely. (You can reserve the remaining crumbs for a topping, or bake them on a separate tray for 5-7 minutes if you prefer a crumble top, otherwise discard).
- Step 2: While the crust cools, prepare the strawberries. In a small bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to release, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla powder until smooth and creamy. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Spoon the macerated strawberries, along with their released juices, over the cream cheese layer, distributing them evenly.
- Step 5: Cover the pan loosely and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set completely. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Store leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; the crust may soften slightly over time, but the delightful flavors will still shine through.
- These delectable bars are designed to be enjoyed chilled; reheating is not recommended as it will compromise the delicate creamy texture and fresh taste of the filling and strawberries.
- Elevate your serving by garnishing each bar with a tiny dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprig of mint, perhaps even a sprinkle of those reserved shortbread crumbs for added crunch.
- For the dreamiest, lump-free cream cheese filling, make sure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to room temperature, and your heavy cream is ice-cold before whipping it to soft peaks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 28g