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Strawberry Shortcake Bars

A buttery sponge base layered with light cream and topped with fresh glazed strawberries—these Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, European
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

For the Sponge Base

  • 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cream Layer

  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 oz 225 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup 40 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Glaze Topping

  • 1 lb 450 g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1/4 cup 60 ml water
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup 50 g granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp strawberry jam or jelly

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sponge Base

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan.
  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
  • Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  • Spread batter evenly into the pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • Let cool completely in the pan.

Make the Cream Layer

  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, zest, and vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
  • Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
  • Spread over cooled sponge base and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Glaze & Assemble

  • In a saucepan, whisk water, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Heat until thickened and translucent, then stir in strawberry jam.
  • Let cool slightly. Arrange strawberries on chilled cream layer.
  • Spoon glaze over strawberries and chill for 1 hour until set.
  • Slice and serve cold.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace the cream layer with a mix of Greek yogurt and light whipped topping.
Bars can be made a day ahead—add strawberries and glaze just before serving for best texture.
Store chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keyword creamy strawberry bars, easy strawberry dessert, light strawberry slice, strawberry shortcake bars, summer dessert