Brimming with fresh strawberries and wrapped in a buttery shortbread crust, these Strawberry Pie Bars are an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. They offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a crumbly, golden topping that makes them simply irresistible. Whether you're making them for a picnic, family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor – The filling is made with juicy strawberries for a naturally sweet and tangy taste.
Simple and easy to make – No complicated steps; just mix, layer, and bake.
Perfect texture – A buttery shortbread crust with a slightly crisp crumble topping complements the soft, jam-like strawberry filling.
Great for sharing – Makes 24 bars, making it an excellent option for gatherings.
Customizable – You can experiment with different berries or flavor variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust/Topping:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 large lemon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3 large eggs, slightly beaten

Strawberry Filling:

4 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¾ cup granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest on low speed until evenly mixed.
Add the cold butter cubes and mix until the butter forms pea-sized pieces.
Add the beaten eggs and mix until the dough becomes crumbly.
Press ⅔ of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir until the strawberries are well-coated.
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust using a rubber spatula.
Crumble the remaining dough over the strawberry filling to form the topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24 bars

Variations

Mixed Berry Bars: Swap some of the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
Almond Crunch: Add sliced almonds to the topping for extra crunch.
Citrus Twist: Replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Vanilla Drizzle: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled bars for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the bars individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer them warm, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, but reducing sugar may affect the texture and sweetness of the filling.

Can I use a food processor instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, pulse the crust ingredients until the dough is crumbly.

What other fruits can I use?

Try peaches, cherries, or a mix of berries for a fun twist.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain excess juice from the strawberries before adding them to the crust.

Can I add spices for extra flavor?

Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the filling.

Should I serve these bars warm or cold?

They are delicious both ways! Try them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that brings together fresh, juicy strawberries and a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or picnic treat, these bars are a delicious way to savor the taste of fresh strawberries. Give them a try and enjoy the burst of fruity goodness in every bite!

Strawberry Pie Bars

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, layered with a buttery shortbread crust, and topped with a golden crumble. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home, these easy-to-make bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled for a refreshing snack!

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Make the Crust & Topping: In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest on low speed. Add cold butter cubes and mix until the butter forms pea-sized pieces. Add eggs and mix until crumbly.
Form the Base: Press ⅔ of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, mix strawberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar until well coated.
Assemble: Spread the strawberry filling over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let cool completely before lifting out of the pan and cutting into squares.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap bars individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American