Description
A tender, cake-like bar dessert combining a moist vanilla batter with a glossy strawberry compote layer. These bars are easy to make in one bowl, travel well, and offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Heavy Cream
- 1.5 cups Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for strawberries)
- Whipped Cream, optional for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Toss sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle sugared strawberries over the top and gently press them in. Pour any remaining juices over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars. Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices. For a glossy finish, brush warm bars with apricot jam or simple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry shortcake bars, strawberry dessert, easy baking, summer dessert, one bowl dessert, strawberry bars, homemade dessert