Description

Strawberry Pie Bars are a perfect combination of sweet, tart strawberries and a buttery, flaky crust. These bars offer the classic taste of a strawberry pie in a convenient, handheld form.

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

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Instructions

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!

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
If you want added texture, you can top the strawberry filling with a crumb topping made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and oats.
If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before using in the filling.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg