Strawberry Pie Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert

Strawberry Pie Bars: Prepare to be captivated by a dessert that perfectly marries the comforting nostalgia of homemade pie with the effortless ease of a bar cookie! Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly crust, giving way to a luscious, sweet-tart strawberry filling bursting with fresh, summery flavor. These aren’t just any dessert bars; they’re a celebration of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing something delicious.

While the exact origins of fruit-filled bars are somewhat hazy, the concept of baking fruit within a pastry crust has been around for centuries. Think of the classic fruit pies enjoyed throughout Europe and America. Strawberry Pie Bars take that beloved tradition and streamline it for modern life. They offer all the satisfying flavors of a strawberry pie without the fuss of crimping edges or worrying about a soggy bottom crust.

What makes these bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The buttery shortbread crust provides a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy strawberries. The slight tanginess of the berries, combined with the sweetness of the sugar, creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. Plus, their portability makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat on a sunny afternoon. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy the taste of summer with these delightful Strawberry Pie Bars!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Crumble Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preparing the Crust

Okay, let’s get started with the crust! This is the foundation of our delicious strawberry pie bars, so we want to make sure it’s nice and flaky.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before we add the butter.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should have some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining – these are what create those lovely flaky layers.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Start with 4 tablespoons and add more only if needed. The dough should just come together when you pinch it. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough.
4. Form the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Gently flatten each half into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial – it allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a tender crust. You can even chill it for longer, up to a couple of hours, if you need to prep ahead.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
6. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to fit the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and press it evenly into the bottom.
7. Dock the Crust: Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
8. Par-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. This par-baking step helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy when we add the strawberry filling. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Making the Strawberry Filling

Now for the star of the show – the strawberry filling! We want it to be sweet, juicy, and perfectly thickened.

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a large bowl, combine the 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
2. Mix Gently: Gently toss the ingredients together until the strawberries are evenly coated. The sugar will draw out some of the juices from the strawberries, creating a lovely sauce.
3. Let it Sit: Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cornstarch to start absorbing the juices, which will help thicken the filling during baking.

Preparing the Crumble Topping

A buttery, crumbly topping adds the perfect texture and flavor contrast to the sweet strawberry filling. This is super easy to make!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some small clumps of butter remaining for that perfect crumble texture.

Assembling and Baking the Strawberry Pie Bars

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and bake these beauties.

1. Pour in the Filling: Pour the strawberry filling evenly over the par-baked crust.
2. Sprinkle the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry filling. Make sure to distribute it well so that every bite has a bit of that delicious crumble.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
4. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, the filling will be runny and the bars will fall apart. I know it’s tempting, but patience is key!
5. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve them as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the Butter Cold: This is crucial for a flaky crust and a crumbly topping. Cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, which results in those desirable textures.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the crust tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: While you could technically use frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If your strawberries are particularly tart, you may want to add a little more sugar to the filling.
• Storage: Store leftover strawberry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

These Strawberry Pie Bars are truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of the buttery, crumbly crust, the sweet and slightly tart strawberry filling, and that delightful hint of almond extract creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. Forget complicated pie crusts and fussy fillings; this recipe simplifies the whole process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch every week!

But the best part? These bars are incredibly versatile! While they are absolutely divine as is, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* A la Mode: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. The contrast between the warm bars and the cold ice cream is simply heavenly.

* Berry Bonanza: Add other berries to the strawberry filling! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would all be fantastic additions, creating a mixed berry pie bar that’s bursting with flavor.

* Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest in the crust or filling can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist. Just a teaspoon or two will do the trick!

* Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the bars before baking for added texture and a nutty flavor.

* Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a touch of indulgence. Dark chocolate pairs particularly well with strawberries.

* Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crust.

* Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in the crust.

I truly believe that this recipe for Strawberry Pie Bars will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. The joy of baking is in the sharing, and I can’t wait for you to share these bars with your loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get baking! I promise you won’t regret it. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Baking should be a joyful experience, so put on some music, relax, and enjoy the process.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy baking!