Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Bars that feature a buttery, tender base layered with sweet strawberry jam and finished with a fluffy strawberry-infused glaze. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat, these bars balance fruity flavors with rich, smooth textures in each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Batter
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp strawberry extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 strawberries, mashed
- 2-3 tsp milk
- Optional: 1/4 tsp strawberry extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the strawberry extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until combined without overmixing.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Carefully spread the strawberry jam over the batter layer. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bars are baking, mash the strawberries until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, mashed strawberries, milk, and optional strawberry extract until you have a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, pour the strawberry glaze evenly over the bars and spread gently to cover the surface.
- Serve: Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting into 9 or 10 squares. Enjoy your fresh strawberry bars as a sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smooth, even batter.
- You can substitute fresh strawberry jam with homemade or store-bought varieties.
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, add the optional strawberry extract to the glaze.
- For dairy-free options, replace butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with almond milk plus a splash of vinegar.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
