Strawberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the buttery, crisp texture of shortbread with the sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. These bars are a great alternative to traditional strawberry shortcake, offering the same delicious flavor in a more convenient, handheld form. The soft, chewy shortbread base is topped with a sweet strawberry filling, making it a perfect treat for summer gatherings, picnics, or any time you want a simple yet impressive dessert. Easy to make and visually stunning, these Strawberry Shortbread Bars are sure to become a favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the shortbread crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, make the strawberry filling. In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the shortbread crust is done, remove it from the oven and spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the strawberry filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutrients
Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 bar, assuming 9 servings):
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Carbohydrates: 28 g (Sugars: 18 g)
• Protein: 2 g
The Origin of Shortbread and Strawberry Desserts
Shortbread has a long history that dates back to medieval Scotland. Originally, shortbread was made with only three ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. It was often baked in rounds or in simple shapes and was considered a treat for special occasions. Over time, shortbread evolved and became a favorite dessert in the UK and beyond, with many variations in texture, flavor, and presentation.
Why Strawberry Shortbread Bars Are So Special
What makes Strawberry Shortbread Bars so unique is the way they balance textures and flavors. The shortbread base is buttery and slightly crumbly, providing a sturdy foundation for the juicy, sweet strawberries on top. The shortbread not only serves as a flavor contrast to the strawberries, but it also adds a lovely crunch that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dessert. Meanwhile, the strawberry filling brings in freshness, color, and a delightful sweetness, along with a hint of tartness, especially if fresh strawberries are used.
Strawberry Shortbread Bars: A Perfect Dessert for All Occasions
One of the best things about Strawberry Shortbread Bars is their versatility. They are appropriate for almost any occasion. Whether you’re having a family gathering, a picnic in the park, a brunch with friends, or a more formal dinner party, these bars fit right in. Their compact size and portability make them ideal for serving at events where guests need something easy to eat with their hands, and they are just as perfect for cozy get-togethers as they are for special celebrations.
The Beauty of Fresh Strawberries in Desserts
Strawberries are undoubtedly one of the most beloved fruits in the world, and for good reason. They are naturally sweet and full of flavor, and they add a refreshing juiciness to desserts. The use of fresh strawberries in Strawberry Shortbread Bars gives the dessert a vibrant color and a sweet, fragrant aroma that enhances the entire experience. Strawberries are also versatile and can be used in various forms: chopped fresh strawberries, strawberry puree, or even a simple strawberry syrup.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
While Strawberry Shortbread Bars are certainly an indulgent treat, strawberries themselves provide some nutritional benefits that make them a slightly healthier choice compared to other fruits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being. Just one serving of strawberries can provide more than 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Shortbread Bars
Making the perfect Strawberry Shortbread Bars requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to preparing both the crust and the filling. The shortbread base needs to be baked until golden brown to achieve the right texture, and the strawberry filling should be cooked just long enough to allow the natural sugars to break down without overcooking the fruit.
A key to making these bars truly exceptional is using fresh strawberries that are in season. During the spring and summer months, fresh strawberries are at their peak flavor, which results in a filling that has a vibrant color and a natural sweetness. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used, but they may require extra care to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Serving and Storing Strawberry Shortbread Bars
Once the bars are baked and fully cooled, they should be cut into squares for serving. You can garnish the bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a few additional fresh strawberry slices to make them look even more enticing. The bars can be served as-is or paired with other summer treats, such as ice cream or sorbet, for an extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortbread Bars are a delicious and visually stunning dessert that combines the best of summer flavors with a classic, buttery shortbread crust. The balance of sweetness and tartness from the fresh strawberries, along with the crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the shortbread, makes these bars a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing for a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.