If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things strawberry, then you are in for a treat with this Strawberry Bars Recipe. These bars combine buttery cake-like layers with a luscious strawberry jam center and a smooth, tangy glaze, creating a delightful dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or an impressive dessert to share, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. It balances sweetness and texture perfectly, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Bars Recipe calls for simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a tender crumb, rich flavor, and that stunning strawberry glow. Each ingredient plays a special role, helping your bars taste fresh and homemade.
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature: Provides richness and a moist crumb to the bars.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients and contribute to the structure and softness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives these bars their cake-like body.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that makes the bars light and fluffy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 tsp strawberry extract: Amplifies the fresh strawberry flavor throughout the bars.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderness to the texture.
- 1 cup strawberry jam: The luscious center that makes these bars special and strawberry-forward.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: For the glaze that tops the bars with sweetness and a silky finish.
- 2-3 strawberries, mashed: Adds fresh strawberry flavor and a pretty pink tint to the glaze.
- 2-3 tsp milk: Helps create the perfect glaze consistency.
- Optional: 1/4 tsp strawberry extract: To boost the strawberry flavor if you want it extra bold.
How to Make Strawberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that will help make the bars delightfully soft. The texture of your butter at room temperature makes all the difference, so take your time here.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Strawberry Extract
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual process helps create a smooth batter without curdling. Mix in the strawberry extract now to infuse the batter with that unmistakable strawberry aroma that sets the tone for the entire recipe.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. This careful folding ensures the bars hold a tender crumb and have just the right amount of moisture.
Step 4: Bake the Base Layer
Pour half of the batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. This creates a sturdy base to hold the luscious strawberry jam without soaking through.
Step 5: Spread Strawberry Jam and Add Remaining Batter
Once the base layer is slightly cooled, gently spread the strawberry jam evenly over the top. Then dollop and carefully spread the remaining batter over the jam layer. This sandwich effect ensures a moist jam center surrounded by soft cake layers.
Step 6: Finish Baking & Prepare the Glaze
Bake the assembled bars for another 22-25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, mashed strawberries, milk, and optional strawberry extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency to your liking — it should be thick but pourable.
Step 7: Glaze and Cool
Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing into squares. This final touch adds a glossy finish that’s just as delicious as it looks.
How to Serve Strawberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Strawberry Bars Recipe with a few simple garnishes for an inviting presentation. Fresh strawberry slices on top add brightness and freshness, while a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves can introduce a subtle herbal note. A dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze also adds a lovely delicate touch.
Side Dishes
These strawberry bars are incredible on their own but can shine even brighter paired with complementary sides. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast, or a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of lemon zest for added zing. Fresh berries or a citrus salad on the side can also provide a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to make your Strawberry Bars Recipe stand out, try cutting the bars into fun shapes like hearts or diamonds using cookie cutters. Arrange them on a decorative platter with edible flowers for an eye-catching dessert display. You can also layer smaller bars between thin slices of pound cake and fresh strawberries to create an elegant strawberry bar parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store your strawberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is recommended. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these Strawberry Bars Recipe leftovers for longer storage as well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy your strawberry bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This softens the glaze slightly and revitalizes the buttery crumb, almost like freshly baked strawberry bars right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
While fresh strawberries bring wonderful flavor, jam provides a thicker, spreadable texture that holds up well in this recipe. You can certainly try layering chopped fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar as a substitute, but the bars might be a touch more moist and less stable.
Is strawberry extract necessary?
Strawberry extract boosts the strawberry flavor, making it more intense and consistent throughout the bars. If you prefer a more subtle taste, you can reduce or omit it, but it does add a lovely fruity depth that complements the jam beautifully.
How do I prevent the jam from soaking into the batter?
Partially baking the base layer before spreading the jam creates a barrier that keeps the jam from soaking through. This step ensures a pleasant layering effect and prevents sogginess.
Can I use a different type of glaze?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze or a lemon glaze can add a fresh twist to the bars. Just keep the consistency similar so that it drizzles nicely and sets with a smooth finish.
How long do strawberry bars last?
Stored properly at room temperature or in the fridge, strawberry bars will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Beyond that, they may dry out or lose that vibrant strawberry taste.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Bars Recipe is truly a gem for any dessert lover. The balance of tender buttery layers with a sweet strawberry heart and silky glaze is an absolute joy to eat. It’s straightforward enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to share at any gathering. I encourage you to try making these bars soon—you won’t regret having this slice of strawberry heaven in your baking repertoire.
Print
Strawberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Bars, featuring a moist, buttery base layer infused with strawberry extract, topped with a vibrant strawberry jam layer and a smooth strawberry glaze. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these bars are an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp strawberry extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Jam Layer
- 1 cup strawberry jam
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 strawberries, mashed
- 2–3 tsp milk
- Optional: 1/4 tsp strawberry extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Layer: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients. Stir in 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract and buttermilk, blending until smooth.
- Bake the Base Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Spread the Jam Layer: Once the base has cooled but is still slightly warm, evenly spread 1 cup of strawberry jam over the top, creating a smooth layer to prepare for the glaze.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the mashed strawberries and 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk. Add the optional 1/4 teaspoon strawberry extract if desired to intensify the flavor. Stir until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust milk or powdered sugar to get the right thickness.
- Glaze the Bars: Pour the strawberry glaze evenly over the jam-topped base. Use a spatula to gently spread and cover the surface completely.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to allow the glaze to set. Once firm, cut into 9 equal bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing.
- Use fresh strawberries for the glaze to enhance natural flavor.
- Adjust powdered sugar in glaze to preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Allow bars to fully cool before cutting to maintain clean slices.
- Can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days.
