Description
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!
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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). - 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.
Notes
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Frozen Strawberries: You can use frozen strawberries for the glaze if fresh ones are not available, just be sure to thaw them before mashing.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time, and they store well in an airtight container.
- Add Lemon: For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (out of 9)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg