Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Whipped Cream are a fun, modern twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. Instead of individual cakes, this recipe layers buttery shortbread-style crust with juicy, macerated strawberries and fluffy homemade whipped cream in a traybake format.

These bars are perfectly portable, easy to slice, and ideal for potlucks, picnics, or dessert tables. Each bite delivers a combination of crisp, buttery base, sweet-tart strawberries, and light, airy cream, creating the ultimate summer dessert experience.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of classic strawberry shortcake but in a simple, convenient bar form. There’s no fiddling with individual cakes or layers — just bake, assemble, and chill.

The flavors are vibrant: the buttery crust melts in your mouth, the strawberries are bursting with freshness, and the whipped cream adds the perfect light, creamy balance. It’s sweet, slightly tart, and utterly satisfying, making it an all-time favorite for dessert lovers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Simple yet impressive: Looks gourmet but is easy to make.
• Portable: Perfect for picnics, parties, or lunchboxes.
• Seasonal and fresh: Highlights ripe strawberries for maximum flavor.
• Customizable: Can be adapted with other fruits or toppings.
• Classic flavors in modern form: All the joy of strawberry shortcake in one bar.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 12 bars
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per bar

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Classic

Ingredients

For the Shortcake Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Toss gently, then set aside for 15–20 minutes to macerate, releasing their juices.

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Press dough evenly into a 9×9-inch greased baking pan.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

1. Bake crust in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding strawberries and whipped cream.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
3. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

1. Once the crust is cool, spread macerated strawberries evenly over the crust.
2. Top with freshly whipped cream, spreading it smoothly across the strawberries.
3. Chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
2. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra strawberries or mint leaves.

How to Serve

• Serve these bars cold from the fridge for maximum freshness.
• They make a perfect dessert for summer gatherings, brunches, or afternoon tea.
• Pair with a light dessert wine, iced tea, or fresh lemonade.

Recipe Tips

• Chill the pan: For cleaner bar cuts, chill the assembled bars before slicing.
• Use ripe strawberries: Sweet, juicy berries give the best flavor.
• Whipped cream stability: For longer-lasting cream, add ½ tsp of cornstarch or use stabilized whipped cream.
• Avoid soggy bars: Make sure the crust is fully cooled before adding strawberries and whipped cream.
• Cutting tip: Use a serrated knife and wipe between slices for clean edges.

Variations

1. Mixed Berry Bars: Replace strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Bars: Drizzle melted chocolate over whipped cream for a decadent touch.
3. Lemon Whipped Cream: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy twist.
4. Gluten-Free Crust: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
5. Shortcake Crumble Topping: Sprinkle crushed shortcake or biscuit crumbs over whipped cream for extra texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing:
  • Bars can be frozen without whipped cream for up to 1 month.
  • Thaw in the fridge, then top with fresh whipped cream before serving.
• Do not freeze assembled bars with whipped cream — the texture will be compromised.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter (or fork/fingers)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Sharp knife for slicing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid before assembling to avoid soggy bars.

Q2: Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Absolutely! Fresh whipped cream is best for flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.

Q3: How do I make the bars easier to cut?
Chill the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing. Use a serrated knife for clean edges.

Q4: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, bake the crust a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q5: Can I make mini bars instead of a 9×9-inch pan?
Yes! Adjust the baking time slightly for smaller portions — they may bake faster (15–20 minutes).

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Whipped Cream are a delightful, fresh, and visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery shortcake crust, sweet and tangy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

These bars are easy to make, portable, and customizable, making them a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics. They capture the essence of classic strawberry shortcake in a convenient, modern form — sweet, creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible.