Craving a fruity dessert that’s quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing? These Strawberry Pie Bars are the answer! Packed with fresh strawberries layered between a buttery shortbread base and a golden crumbly topping, they offer all the charm of a homemade pie without the hassle. This dessert is a breeze to make, perfect for any event or sweet tooth craving. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or a cozy night in, this easy, flavorful treat is sure to be your new favorite. You’re about to discover the ultimate strawberry dessert with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Strawberry Pie Bars are everything you want in a fruity dessert: sweet, tart, and perfectly textured. They boast a golden, crumbly base and topping with a luscious layer of juicy strawberries in between. Not only are they easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, but they also slice beautifully, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or simple family treats. Plus, the balance of citrusy lemon zest and fresh berries makes every bite refreshing and rich.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
How to Make Strawberry Pie Bars
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Topping:
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest in a stand mixer on low speed.
- Add cold, cubed butter and mix until the texture is crumbly with pea-sized bits.
- Add the eggs and blend until the dough is loosely crumbly.
- Form the Base:
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Reserve the rest for topping.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently coat strawberries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the strawberry filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved dough evenly on top.
- Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the dish.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, lift using the parchment and slice into bars.
Helpful Tips
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving that flaky, tender shortbread texture.
- Chill Before Slicing: For neat, clean slices, refrigerate the bars after they cool to room temperature.
- Mix with Care: Stop mixing as soon as the dough holds together to preserve the crumbly texture.
Substitutions And Variations
- Berry Swap: Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based butter and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What are the signs that the bars are fully baked? Look for a lightly golden crust and bubbling strawberry filling at the edges.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Pie Bars combine the best parts of pie and cookie bars into one delightful dessert. With a crisp shortbread crust, juicy strawberry filling, and a crumbly top, they are perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let the vibrant flavors speak for themselves! Don’t forget to leave a comment, share your creation, and explore more berry-filled desserts on the blog!
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Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Pie Bars are a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries and buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for gatherings or weekday treats—slice, serve, and enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
For the Strawberry Filling:
4 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Topping:
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest in a stand mixer on low speed.
- Add cold, cubed butter and mix until the texture is crumbly with pea-sized bits.
- Add the eggs and blend until the dough is loosely crumbly.
- Form the Base:
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Reserve the rest for topping.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently coat strawberries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the strawberry filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved dough evenly on top.
- Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the dish.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, lift using the parchment and slice into bars.
Notes
Chill before slicing for clean bars.
Can substitute berries or make gluten-free with 1:1 flour.
Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g