Imagine biting into a soft, buttery base that cradles sweet, juicy strawberries and a cloud-like layer of whipped cream. This Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars recipe is like a hug from your favorite person, wrapped in sunshine and happiness. Whether it’s for brunch or an afternoon treat, these bars promise to make any day feel like a celebration.
These delightful bars are not just a dessert they’re a memory maker. Picture this: laughter fills the air as you serve these beauties on Mother’s Day, with everyone eagerly grabbing their piece. The anticipation builds as those luscious strawberry scents waft through the kitchen, creating a delicious atmosphere no one can resist.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy families
- Their vibrant colors and textures create eye-catching layers that are sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Each bite combines fresh strawberries and creamy goodness for an unforgettable flavor experience
- Versatile enough to be served at any occasion, they can easily become your go-to dessert
When I first made these bars for my mom’s birthday, her eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. She couldn’t stop raving about them, which made my heart swell with pride.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for the best texture in your base it gives that perfect crumbly bite.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness adjust according to the tartness of your strawberries for balance.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh to ensure your bars rise perfectly and don’t end up dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors don’t skip it
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crumbly texture it makes all the difference.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for natural sweetness they’ll shine in this recipe.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping cream is essential for that luscious topping keep it cold for better whipping results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates both the cream and the strawberry flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This will create a lovely base that holds everything together.
Add Butter and Mix Well: Cut cold butter into small cubes and add to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly you’re aiming for pea-sized pieces of butter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in milk until just combined. Don’t overmix this will keep your base tender and fluffy.
Add Strawberries & Bake: Gently fold in sliced strawberries so they’re evenly distributed without breaking apart too much. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly before sliding it into the oven.
Prepare Whipped Cream Topping : While baking (about 25-30 minutes), whip heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form. You want it airy but stable enough to hold its shape when spread on top of cooled bars.
These steps will bring you closer to creating delightful Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars that everyone will love Enjoy each step as you anticipate those delicious bites ahead
You Must Know
- Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for celebrating the special day
- With layers of fluffy cake and fresh strawberries, they offer a burst of flavor
- The combination of textures makes each bite a celebration of spring
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the shortcake layers first while preparing the strawberry filling. This ensures everything cools at the same time, allowing for easy assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these bars by adding lemon zest to the batter or using different berries for a unique twist. You can even swap in whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Strawberry Shortcake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge without reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect strawberry shortcake bars, ensure your butter is softened but not melted
- Fresh strawberries yield better flavor than frozen ones for this recipe
- Use a serrated knife to slice through the soft bars without squishing them
I remember making these bars for Mother’s Day last year, and my mom couldn’t stop raving about them They vanished faster than I could snap a photo.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Frozen strawberries can work, but fresh ones provide better flavor and texture.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can make these deliciously gluten-free
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
Try using Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream as tasty alternatives to traditional whipped cream.
Delicious Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
Description
Treat your mom to a delightful dessert with these Mother’s Day Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Soft, buttery layers cradle sweet, ripe strawberries and a luscious whipped cream topping, making this recipe perfect for celebrating love and joy. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these bars are sure to impress anyone at your gathering, turning every bite into a cherished memory.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut cold butter into small cubes and mix into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
- Stir in milk until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in sliced strawberries and pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, whip heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Allow baked bars to cool before spreading whipped cream on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
