If you’re craving the heavenly flavors of classic strawberry pie but want something fuss-free that you can eat with your hands, these Strawberry Pie Bars are about to sweep you off your feet. Each bite balances a sweet-tart layer of real strawberries atop a buttery, tender crust, all topped off with the most irresistible crumbly finish. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a backyard picnic, a family potluck, or a spontaneous weeknight treat, this recipe brings together fresh seasonal strawberries and pantry-friendly ingredients for a dessert bar that’s bright, lightly rich, and sure to leave everyone smiling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of familiar ingredients can create such a show-stopping treat. Every component in these bars adds its own magic, from the golden crust to the juicy berry filling, making each bite sing with flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the crust and crumb topping, giving the bars their soft yet sturdy bite.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust just right, resulting in a delicate, shortbread-like base.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The key to buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture — cold butter creates those tender, layered crumbs.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and enhances both sweetness and richness.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and diced): The star of the show! Fresh berries offer bright color, juicy texture, and a burst of summer in every bar.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the berries’ tartness and helps create a luscious, slightly jammy filling.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit layer so every bar slices cleanly and holds together.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick that amplifies the strawberry flavor and keeps the filling vibrant.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, comforting note.
- Whipped cream (optional): For a decadent finishing touch that pairs perfectly with the fruity filling.
How to Make Strawberry Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start things off by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper — this not only prevents sticking but makes it super simple to lift out your bars later. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready for action by the time the crust is assembled.
Step 2: Mix the Crust and Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, powdered sugar, cubed cold butter, and salt until the mixture becomes crumbly. You don’t want the butter to completely disappear; those little cold bits are what leave baked-in tenderness and flavor! Scoop out 1 cup of this mixture and set it aside for the crumbly topping.
Step 3: Press and Par-Bake the Crust
Take the remaining dough and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use clean hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to make sure it’s compact and flat. Bake this base for 15 minutes — it should look just set and slightly golden at the edges, giving you the perfect foundation for the strawberry layer.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the crust is in the oven, combine your diced strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Give everything a gentle toss until the berries are coated and glossy. The sugar will start to draw out the berries’ juices, promising a filling that’s equal parts saucy and fruity.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Strawberry Pie Bars
Once the crust comes out of the oven, immediately spread the strawberry filling evenly over the hot base. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping across the strawberry layer, aiming for a deliciously rustic look with plenty of strawberries peeking through. Slide the whole pan back in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Savor
Patience pays off here! Let your Strawberry Pie Bars cool completely in the pan so the filling sets and the bars slice cleanly. Use the parchment to lift everything out, then cut into bars of your desired size. If you like, top each one with a cozy dollop of whipped cream before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie Bars
Garnishes
For a little fresh flair, add a swirl of whipped cream or dust the bars with a light shower of powdered sugar. A few extra sliced strawberries on top make them look extra inviting, and a sprig of mint or zest of lemon can take the presentation from homemade to wow in seconds.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Pie Bars are wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even with a handful of mixed berries for a colorful dessert plate. For a summer lunch, pair them with iced tea or lemonade. If you’re serving a crowd, set them out with a platter of light finger foods and watch everyone gather around.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using mini tart tins for individual servings, or stack your sliced bars pyramidal-style on a cake stand for a party centerpiece. Drizzle with a ribbon of melted white chocolate once cooled, or cut them into tiny squares for a sweet snack board. However you share these Strawberry Pie Bars, they’re sure to charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars will stay perfectly delicious for up to three days when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, let them come to room temperature before eating, or enjoy them slightly chilled if you prefer a firm, cool bite.
Freezing
You can freeze Strawberry Pie Bars, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Arrange slices in a single layer separated by parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you enjoy your bars warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to gently warm them without melting the whipped cream or softening the topping too much. For a crispier finish, a few minutes in a toaster oven will do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Pie Bars?
Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar, cornstarch, and other filling ingredients. This helps prevent the bars from becoming too juicy or soggy.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Par-baking the crust is key to keeping it crisp and sturdy. Spreading the filling on while the crust is still warm helps seal it, so don’t skip this important step!
Are there other fruits I can use in this recipe?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches all make wonderful substitutions or combinations with strawberries in these pie bars. Just be sure to keep the fruit amounts roughly the same for the best results.
Can I make Strawberry Pie Bars gluten free?
Yes! A high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio with great results. Make sure your cornstarch and all other ingredients are certified gluten free as well.
What’s the best way to cut Strawberry Pie Bars cleanly?
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing, ideally using a sharp, serrated knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the neatest squares, and use the parchment paper to help lift the bars neatly from the pan.
Final Thoughts
From their buttery crust to their jammy, fruit-filled middle and golden crumb topping, Strawberry Pie Bars are the kind of treat that always brings joy and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just searching for something simple yet impressive, give these bars a spot in your rotation — you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
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Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity goodness of these Strawberry Pie Bars. A buttery crust topped with a luscious strawberry filling, these bars are perfect for a summertime treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake crust for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Assemble and bake: Spread strawberry mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb topping. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different fruit variation.
- For a sweeter dessert, drizzle bars with white chocolate after cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
