If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as cheerful and crowd-pleasing as a sunny afternoon picnic, Strawberry Pie Bars are destined to become your new go-to treat. Imagine the perfect marriage of a soft, buttery crust with pockets of fresh, jammy strawberries, all finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. These bars are easy to share, totally portable, and taste like the sweetest slice of summer—no fork required! Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving something fruity and comforting, these Strawberry Pie Bars deliver nostalgic flavors with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something wonderfully simple about the ingredients for Strawberry Pie Bars. Each one plays a starring role—contributing rich texture, bright flavor, or that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes these bars irresistible. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the crust its indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth quality and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Lends essential sweetness and helps the dough come together tenderly.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of caramel-like depth you’ll notice with every bite.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together, giving structure and keeping the bars soft.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the fruity notes with aromatic warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Our go-to for sturdy, sliceable bars—don’t overmix!
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides just a bit of lift, so your bars aren’t dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, chopped): The star of the show! If they’re at peak ripeness, you’re in for a treat.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens up the strawberry layer so it’s jammy, not runny.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and draws out the fresh berry juices.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright note and balances all that berry sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Creates that dreamy glaze drizzled over the finished bars.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Whisks with the powdered sugar to make the perfect icing consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal later. This extra step will save you from sticky situations and ensures every bar comes out picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a big mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. The air you whip in now helps the entire crust and topping bake up light instead of heavy—don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in your eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and binding power, so each bar holds together yet stays melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 5: Toss Strawberries for the Filling
Grab a medium bowl and add your chopped fresh strawberries. Sprinkle in cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice, giving it all a gentle toss. This will help the berries release juices and thicken up while baking, so you get luscious pools of strawberry in every slice.
Step 6: Layer the Dough and Berries
Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly in the bottom of your prepared pan. Top it with all the strawberry mixture, making sure the berries are spread all around (it doesn’t have to be perfect!). Drop the remaining dough in small spoonfuls over the strawberries—it’ll look rustic, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden, lightly set top and bubbling, juicy berries peeking out. Remind yourself that the heavenly aroma filling the kitchen means you’re just minutes away from pure strawberry bliss.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this makes slicing so much easier! While they cool, whisk powdered sugar with just enough milk to make a thick but drizzle-able glaze. Scatter the glaze over your cooled bars, then slice into squares and serve. The glaze will set, giving every bar a gleaming finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie Bars
Garnishes
These bars are gorgeous on their own, with their glossy glaze and ruby pockets of fruit, but you can elevate them even further with a scatter of fresh strawberry slices or a little extra dusting of powdered sugar. For a special occasion, add a sprig of mint or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to make your Strawberry Pie Bars dessert-platter worthy.
Side Dishes
For a refreshing contrast, serve Strawberry Pie Bars with bowls of tart Greek yogurt or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with coffee or iced tea for a complete afternoon treat or casual brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into small diamonds or triangles for a party platter, or use a cookie cutter to make playful shapes for kids’ lunchboxes. Stack a few on a pretty plate, wrap with parchment and twine, and you have a lovely edible gift—proof that delicious doesn’t have to be fussy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store the Strawberry Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay wonderfully moist for up to four days, making them perfect for prepping in advance or snacking any time a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these bars later? Strawberry Pie Bars freeze well—just skip the glaze, freeze bars in a single layer (or with wax paper between layers), then thaw and glaze just before serving. This keeps both the texture and the flavor at their best.
Reheating
If you enjoy your bars slightly warm, give individual portions a very brief zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds). This brings back the fresh-baked goodness and makes the strawberries extra juicy. Just be sure not to overheat or the glaze will melt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries and drain off excess liquid before tossing them with the cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice. Some extra liquid is normal, but draining helps prevent soggy bars.
How do I know when the Strawberry Pie Bars are done baking?
The top should look lightly golden and set, and the strawberry layer will be bubbling at the edges. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted in the dough should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
Can I make these Strawberry Pie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or a binding agent for best results.
What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife rinsed in warm water and wiped dry between cuts. The bars slice cleanly and keep their pretty layers intact with this trick!
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Definitely! Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches for a mixed-berry twist. Just keep the total fruit amount the same to maintain the ideal filling-to-crust ratio.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s refreshing, fun to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles, these Strawberry Pie Bars hit every mark. I hope you’ll try them soon—when you sneak that first bite, don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving these summery treats all year round!
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Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Strawberry Pie Bars are a perfect treat that captures the essence of summer. With a buttery crust, a sweet strawberry filling, and a drizzle of glaze, these bars are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the crust: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.
- Prepare the filling: Toss strawberries with cornstarch, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Assemble: Spread two-thirds of the dough in the pan, top with strawberry mixture, then drop remaining dough over the fruit.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden. Cool completely.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh strawberries. Frozen, thawed, and drained strawberries can be used.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
