Strawberry Pie Bars

Our Strawberry Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the sweet and tart flavors of fresh strawberries with a rich, buttery shortbread crust. These delightful bars are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. Their unique combination of textures will keep you coming back for more, making them a must-try recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fresh: The use of fresh strawberries ensures that every bite bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are quick to whip up.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy winter nights—these bars suit any season.
• Perfectly Portable: Ideal for picnics and potlucks, you can easily transport them without any mess.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for sharing with friends and family, they’re sure to impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your strawberry pie bars, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will simplify the process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9×13 baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps blend the ingredients quickly and evenly for a perfect crust.
• 9×13 baking dish: The ideal size for baking the pie bars evenly without overflow.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out the cooled bars for cutting.

Ingredients

Our strawberry pie bars are brimming with fresh berries wrapped in a buttery shortbread crust that will have you hooked from the first bite.

For the Crust

• 3 cups flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large lemon zest
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
• 3 eggs (slightly beaten)

For the Filling

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (cut in half)
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¾ cup sugar

How to Make Strawberry Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides. This will help you lift out the cooled bars easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a stand mixer, add the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until combined.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add in cold butter cubes. Mix until you achieve pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Combine with Eggs

Pour in the slightly beaten eggs and mix until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 5: Press Dough into Dish

Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Set aside the remaining dough.

Step 6: Prepare Strawberry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine halved strawberries, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 7: Layer Strawberry Mixture

Pour the strawberry mixture over your crust. Use a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 8: Crumble Remaining Dough

Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the strawberry filling.

Step 9: Bake

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crumble looks slightly golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before lifting out using parchment paper to cut into bars. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Pie Bars!

How to Serve Strawberry Pie Bars

Strawberry pie bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or savor them at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm strawberry pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess perfectly complements the tartness of the strawberries.

Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top with freshly whipped cream for added richness. You can sweeten the cream lightly for extra flavor.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a lovely visual appeal and a hint of sweetness.

Garnish with Mint

• Add fresh mint leaves on top for color and an aromatic touch. This simple addition enhances the overall presentation.

Pair with Lemonade

• Serve alongside a cold glass of homemade lemonade for a refreshing contrast. The citrus notes will harmonize beautifully with the strawberries.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange slices on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies or brownies. This creates an inviting dessert spread for gatherings.

How to Perfect Strawberry Pie Bars

To achieve the ultimate strawberry pie bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries give the best flavor and texture, making your pie bars more delicious.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is too warm, it may spread too much while baking. Chill it briefly before pressing into the pan.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your crust tender and flaky.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust sugar based on your strawberries’ sweetness. Taste as you mix to avoid overly sweet bars.
• Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps maintain clean edges.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Pie Bars

Strawberry pie bars make a wonderful dessert, but pairing them with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm strawberry pie bars, adding creamy texture and flavor.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet provides a bright citrus note that cuts through sweetness and complements the strawberries.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which contrast nicely with the sweetness of the bars.
4. Fruit Salad: A mixed fruit salad adds freshness and makes for a light complement to richer desserts like strawberry pie bars.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit pieces or even bits of pie bar into melted chocolate.
6. Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside coffee or herbal tea; both beverages enhance flavors and offer a comforting finish to your meal.
7. Crème Fraîche: A dollop of crème fraîche provides tanginess that balances out sweetness while adding richness.
8. Nutty Granola: Sprinkle crunchy granola over each serving for added texture and nutty flavors that pair beautifully with strawberries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry pie bars can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can detract from the results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using warm butter – Warm butter can lead to a greasy crust. Always ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it into the dough.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can cause tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring strawberries properly – Using too few or too many strawberries can affect the filling’s consistency. Make sure to use 4 cups of fresh strawberries as specified in the recipe.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting the bars while they’re still warm can make them crumble. Allow your strawberry pie bars to cool completely before slicing.
• Ignoring oven temperature – An inaccurate oven temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked bars. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Pie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Strawberry Pie Bars

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Strawberry Pie Bars?

Strawberry pie bars are a delicious dessert made with fresh strawberries and a buttery shortbread crust, perfect for any occasion.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Pie Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

How do I customize my Strawberry Pie Bars?

You can add different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or mix in spices such as cinnamon for added flavor.

How long do Strawberry Pie Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, strawberry pie bars will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These strawberry pie bars are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor and freshness. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste preferences, making them a delightful treat for any gathering. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness!

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Strawberry Pie Bars

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of our Strawberry Pie Bars, a perfect dessert that harmoniously blends the sweet and tart flavors of fresh strawberries with a rich, buttery shortbread crust. These bars are not only easy to make but also a hit at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With their unique combination of textures, each bite promises to keep you coming back for more. Elevate your dessert game with this must-try recipe that is versatile enough for any occasion!

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 3 large eggs (slightly beaten)
• 4 cups fresh strawberries (halved)
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until blended.
3. Add cold butter cubes and mix until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
4. Pour in slightly beaten eggs and mix until crumbly dough forms.
5. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix halved strawberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar until combined.
7. Spread strawberry mixture over the crust evenly.
8. Crumble remaining dough over the top of the filling.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10. Allow to cool completely before lifting out and cutting into bars.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg