Description

Picture this: all the dreamy, summery goodness of strawberry shortcake, but in bar form so you can actually serve it to a crowd without having to assemble individual desserts like you’re running a fancy restaurant. We’re talking a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of sweet-tart strawberry filling that tastes like summer in a bite, fluffy whipped cream cheese layer, and a golden crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. These bars are what happens when strawberry shortcake gets a glow-up and becomes the star of every potluck, picnic, and “I need dessert NOW” moment. One bite and you’ll forget regular shortcake ever existed.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Cream Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but magical)

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp cold butter, cubed

For Finishing:

Fresh strawberries for topping
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh mint leaves (because we’re fancy)

Instructions

Step 1: Crust Foundation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.

In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

Add cold butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add egg yolk and vanilla, pulse until dough comes together.

Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Strawberry Magic

While crust bakes, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl.

Let sit for 15 minutes to let strawberries release their juices.

Cook in a large skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring gently, until thickened and jammy.

Let cool completely.

Step 3: Cream Dream

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extract to stiff peaks.

Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Crumb Topping

Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.

Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assembly Time

Spread cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the baked crust.

Dollop cream mixture over strawberries and gently spread to cover.

Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over cream layer.

Step 6: Final Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes until crumb topping is golden brown and cream layer is set.

Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.

Step 7: Serve Like a Pro

Cut into squares and top each with a fresh strawberry.

Dust with powdered sugar and add a mint leaf for the Instagram shot.

Serve chilled and watch people’s faces light up.

Notes

Perfect for summer barbecues and potluck desserts.

Serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Pair with iced tea or lemonade for the ultimate summer vibe.

Great for brunch alongside coffee and mimosas.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~285 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~34g
Protein: ~4g