Name: Strawberry Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups strawberry jam or preserves; 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; juice of ½ lemon; ½ cup old-fashioned oats

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If you’re looking for a treat that’s bright, fruity, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this Strawberry Bars Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Each bite offers the best of jammy strawberry filling sandwiched between buttery, oat-kissed layers, making these bars perfect for picnics, afternoon coffee breaks, or family celebrations. The recipe is remarkably simple but tastes like something you’d get from a charming bakery—sweet strawberries, crumbly crust, and a golden streusel top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Bars Recipe does its part to bring big flavor and irresistible texture. From farm-fresh strawberries to creamy butter, even the simplest ingredients shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet fruit.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds the right level of sweetness to balance the tart berries and create a golden crust.
Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Brings a hint of caramel depth and moisture to the dough—don’t skip it!
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses comforting, bakery-style warmth throughout the bars.
All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The backbone of the crust and crumble, giving the bars their sturdy (but never dry) texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): A flavor amplifier—just a bit makes the fruit taste even sweeter and the butter richer.
Strawberry jam or preserves (1 ½ cups): Provides a thick, fruity layer; use the best-quality jam you can find for maximum flavor.
Fresh strawberries, chopped (1 cup): Stud these bars with juicy, vibrant bites and keep the filling extra fresh.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps the filling set beautifully, so your bars slice up neatly without being runny.
Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): Gives the strawberry layer a zippy lift—don’t leave out this simple secret weapon!
Old-fashioned oats (½ cup): Stirred into the topping for delightful chew and a visually rustic finish.

How to Make Strawberry Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This crucial first step ensures your bars will lift out easily, and you’ll have far less cleanup to worry about when all you’ll really want to do is dig in!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture—this is what gives the crust its delicious, tender bite. Once it’s pale and airy, blend in the vanilla extract for a burst of aroma and depth.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Add the all-purpose flour and salt to your butter mixture, and mix until a crumbly dough forms. The key here is to stop mixing once it comes together—overmixing can make the crust tough. Scoop one cup of this dough and set it aside to use later as your golden, crumbly topping.

Step 4: Create the Crust

Press the rest of the dough evenly into the bottom of your lined baking dish. Take your time smoothing it out gently for even baking; this is the foundation that’s going to hold up all that glorious strawberry filling.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a separate bowl, stir together the strawberry jam or preserves, fresh chopped strawberries, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice. This mixture will be thick and lush, with flecks of vibrant berries and a bright pop of citrus. Spread it evenly over your crust, reaching all the corners for full coverage.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

To the reserved cup of dough, add the old-fashioned oats and mix gently—hands work great for this. Crumble the oat-studded dough evenly over the strawberry layer, leaving little pockets for some of the filling to peek through; this gives that gorgeous bakery-style look once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling happily at the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure summer vibes. Once baked, let the pan cool completely before slicing—this patience pays off with neat, tidy bars that hold their shape!

How to Serve Strawberry Bars Recipe

Garnishes

The right finishing touch transforms these strawberry bars from delicious to downright irresistible. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar once they’ve cooled, or add a few fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful, natural flair. For a creamier vibe, a swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze will delight every sweet tooth.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Bars Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt, or even a refreshing fruit salad. Light flavors help keep things balanced and let the berries really take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a rustic wooden board for vintage picnic vibes or arrange on a tiered dessert tray with edible flowers for special occasions. For grab-and-go treats, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine—adorable for school lunches or party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep happily for up to five days—perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

The Strawberry Bars Recipe freezes beautifully! Layer the cooled bars between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for that homemade strawberry goodness again.

Reheating

While these bars are usually best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, if you prefer them warm, just microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds. Serve as is or topped with a scoop of ice cream for an instant strawberry cobbler feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain the frozen strawberries thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the filling, which could make the bars soggy.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For even tidier edges, refrigerate the pan for an hour and use a sharp, clean knife, wiping between cuts.

Can I substitute the strawberry jam?

Absolutely! Raspberry, blackberry, or mixed berry jams work beautifully, giving you a customizable twist on this classic Strawberry Bars Recipe.

Are these bars gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free. You can try a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture if needed.

How do I prevent the oatmeal topping from getting too dark?

If you notice the top is browning quickly but the bars aren’t done, loosely tent the pan with foil for the remainder of the baking time to keep things golden but not burnt.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Strawberry Bars Recipe—each bite bursts with sweet, summery charm and wholesome, homemade comfort. Whether you’re baking for friends, sharing with family, or just indulging yourself, these bars always bring a smile. Happy baking, and enjoy every crumb!

Strawberry Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Bars are a delightful fruity dessert perfect for any occasion. A buttery crust topped with a sweet strawberry filling and oat crumble, these bars are a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

Filling:

1 ½ cups strawberry jam or preserves
1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
juice of ½ lemon

Oat Topping:

½ cup old-fashioned oats

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Prepare crust: Cream together butter, sugars, and vanilla. Mix in flour and salt to form a dough. Press into the baking dish.
Make filling: Combine jam, strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread over the crust.
Add oat topping: Mix reserved dough with oats and crumble over the strawberry layer.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool before slicing into bars.