Strawberry Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Strawberry Bars are a delightful treat with a moist, strawberry-infused cake base and a sweet, fruity glaze. Perfect for dessert, tea time, or any occasion where you want a burst of berry flavor

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When I first tried making these Strawberry Bars, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After all, strawberry-flavored desserts can sometimes be a bit too sweet or artificial, but these bars exceeded every expectation. The moment I took them out of the oven, my kitchen smelled heavenly. Soft, sweet, and subtly tangy—these bars had the perfect balance of flavors. My family couldn’t get enough of them. My kids were the first to grab a bar and couldn’t stop raving about how much they loved the fruity glaze. Even my husband, who’s not normally a fan of fruit-based desserts, ended up having two servings! These bars are that good. They’re the perfect balance of moist, buttery cake with just the right amount of strawberry jam. The glaze adds the finishing touch, giving them a beautiful sheen and an extra burst of flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual tea, or just want a sweet snack to enjoy, these strawberry bars will definitely hit the mark.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Bars Recipe

• Simple and Easy: The ingredients are basic pantry staples, and the recipe is straightforward—great for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Perfect for All Occasions: These bars are a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon tea, a birthday party, or even a summer barbecue.
• Berry-licious Flavor: The strawberry jam swirled into the batter creates a moist, fruity base while the strawberry glaze adds that extra burst of sweetness on top.
• Versatile: You can adjust the strawberry flavor to your preference by adding more jam or glaze. You can even switch up the fruit if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for making with the kids—simple, fun, and totally delicious. Plus, they’ll love spreading the glaze on top!

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Ingredients

For the Bars

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp strawberry extract
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strawberry jam

For the Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 strawberries, mashed
• 2-3 tsp milk
• Optional: 1/4 tsp strawberry extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined.
   Stir in the strawberry extract and buttermilk, mixing until the batter is smooth.
   Gently fold in the strawberry jam to create a slightly marbled effect.
3. Bake the Bars
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.
4. Make the Glaze
   In a small bowl, mix the mashed strawberries with powdered sugar (adding 1/2 cup at a time).
   Gradually add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
   For extra strawberry flavor, mix in 1/4 tsp strawberry extract (optional).
5. Glaze and Serve
   Once the bars are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top.
   Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles.

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9 bars (based on an 8×8-inch pan)

• Calories per Serving: 240 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 2g

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

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How to Serve

These Strawberry Bars are perfect for many occasions and can be served in a variety of ways:

• For Dessert: Serve the bars as a light dessert after a hearty meal. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and fruity.
• At Tea Time: Pair these strawberry bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• As a Gift: Pack these bars in a cute box or tin and gift them to friends and family.
• For Parties: Slice them into smaller pieces for serving at birthday parties, baby showers, or potlucks.
• For Breakfast: These bars can be a fun, fruity way to start your day. Add a glass of milk or coffee on the side for a more substantial breakfast.

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Additional Tips

1. Add Fresh Strawberries: If you want to elevate the flavor, mix in some finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
2. Make It Lighter: Use a sugar substitute or swap out half of the butter for unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat and sugar.
3. Add a Dash of Lemon: A little lemon zest in the batter can complement the strawberry flavor beautifully and provide a slight citrusy zing.
4. Use a 9×9 Pan for Thinner Bars: If you prefer thinner bars, use a 9×9-inch pan instead of an 8×8-inch pan.
5. Chill Before Cutting: After glazing, allow the bars to chill for 30 minutes in the fridge to set the glaze perfectly and make cutting easier.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries can be used in the glaze and batter. Just be sure to thaw and mash them thoroughly before use.

3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with 1/4 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

4. How can I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done.

7. Can I freeze these strawberry bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to 3 months.

8. Can I make the glaze without strawberries?
Yes, you can make the glaze with just powdered sugar and milk, or add a little vanilla extract for flavor.

9. Is there a way to make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency.

10. Can I use a different fruit jam?
Yes! You can replace strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a different twist.

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Conclusion

These Strawberry Bars are a simple yet indulgent treat that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The moist, buttery cake base paired with the sweet, fruity glaze offers a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your guests or family asking for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With easy-to-follow instructions and a versatile flavor profile, these bars are destined to be a go-to dessert in your kitchen. Happy baking!

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