Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Bars are a delicious blend of sweet strawberries and crumbly crust. They are great for dessert or a snack, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With layers of buttery crust, creamy filling, and juicy strawberries, each bite is a taste of summer.
Why Make This Recipe
These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. They capture the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a fun, portable form. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply looking for a sweet treat, these crumb bars are sure to please everyone!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed
- Pinch of salt
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9” pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it in until crumbly.
- Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.
- Spread diced strawberries evenly on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over strawberries.
- Bake again for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over the top. Add food coloring for a pink swirl.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Bars
These bars can be served fresh from the oven or chilled in the fridge. Cut them into squares and serve on a plate. They go well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Bars
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to three months.
Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Crumb Bars
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky crumb.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting for cleaner slices.
Variation
You can add different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a twist on the classic flavor. You can also leave out the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using. This will prevent the bars from becoming too watery.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.