Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Pie Bars bring the deliciousness of strawberry pie into an easy-to-make, sliceable form. The tender shortbread crust and sweet, juicy strawberry filling complement each other perfectly. With just the right balance of sweetness and tang, these bars are a hit with anyone who loves fruit desserts. Plus, they are simple to prepare, and the vibrant red color of the strawberries makes them visually appealing as well. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, these Strawberry Pie Bars are a breeze to make and will surely impress your guests.

Strawberry Pie Bars

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming an even crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
While the crust is baking, prepare the strawberry filling. In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the strawberry mixture over it and spread it evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Cooling Time: 1-2 hours

Variations

Fruit Swap: While strawberries are the star of the show, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different twist on this recipe.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these pie bars.
Crumb Topping: For added texture, you can top the strawberry filling with a crumb topping made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and oats before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Strawberry Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the bars warm, simply heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries work just fine. However, be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use a different kind of crust for the bars?

You can experiment with different crusts, such as a graham cracker crust or a cookie crust. The texture will change, but the flavor will still be delicious.

4. How do I make the crust more firm?

For a firmer crust, you can press it down more firmly before baking or reduce the baking time slightly to ensure it doesn’t over-bake and become too soft.

5. How do I know when the filling is done cooking?

The filling should be thickened and bubbly when it’s ready. If you’re unsure, you can test it by running a spoon through the mixture—it should leave a clear path behind.

6. Can I add spices to the strawberry filling?

Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the strawberry flavor nicely.

7. Can I use a larger baking pan?

If you use a larger baking pan, the bars will be thinner. You might need to adjust the baking time for both the crust and filling accordingly.

8. What’s the best way to slice the bars?

For clean slices, let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife. You can also refrigerate them before cutting for extra precision.

9. Can I drizzle glaze over the bars?

Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness.

10. What should I do if the filling is too runny?

If the filling seems too runny, cook it for a bit longer until it thickens up. You can also add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken it further.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Pie Bars are a delightful treat that captures the flavor of a classic strawberry pie in a convenient bar form. With a buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and easy preparation, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a special gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.