Strawberry Pie Bars: A Sweet Slice of Heaven

Strawberry pie bars are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of homemade comfort food. They blend the classic flavors of a traditional strawberry pie with the convenience of a bar, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. With a buttery crust, a luscious strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and produces a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

A Classic Dessert with a Twist

Strawberries have long been a favorite fruit in desserts, from shortcakes to cheesecakes, but there’s something special about a strawberry pie. These strawberry pie bars take everything we love about a classic strawberry pie—the juicy fruit, the flaky crust, and the hint of sweetness—and transform it into an easy-to-serve bar. Instead of rolling out pie dough, the crust is pressed into a baking dish, making the process much simpler. Plus, these bars can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect dessert for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Pie Bars

1. Easy to Make – No rolling or blind baking required! The crust is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special techniques.
2. Perfect for Sharing – Unlike a traditional pie, these bars can be sliced into squares, making them great for gatherings.
3. Great Use of Fresh Strawberries – If you have an abundance of strawberries in the summer, this is the perfect way to use them.
4. Delicious Layers – A buttery shortbread crust, creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and a crumbly topping—every bite is heavenly.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bars:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Filling:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, flour, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Set aside the remaining one-third for the crumb topping.

Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

In another bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the strawberries are well coated, then spread them evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping

Take the reserved crust mixture and sprinkle it over the strawberry layer. This will create a crumbly, buttery topping that adds texture and crunch.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.

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Tips for the Best Strawberry Pie Bars

• Use Fresh Strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch (just be sure to thaw and drain them well).
• Let Them Cool Completely – It might be tempting to dig in while they’re warm, but letting the bars cool helps them firm up and hold their shape.
• Chill for a Firmer Texture – If you prefer a more set bar, place them in the fridge for a couple of hours before slicing.
• Add a Drizzle – A light drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or white chocolate makes these even more indulgent.

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Serving and Storage

These strawberry pie bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Why Everyone Loves These Bars

Strawberry pie bars have the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and buttery flavors. They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make, making them a favorite among home bakers. Whether you’re baking them for a summer barbecue, a holiday dessert, or a simple afternoon snack, they are guaranteed to disappear fast!

So, if you’re craving something fruity, creamy, and downright delicious, these Strawberry Pie Bars are the answer. Try them today and enjoy a bite of strawberry bliss!

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