Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe
If you are searching for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between fresh fruit sweetness and buttery crumbly goodness, you have to try these delightful Strawberry Pie Bars. Bursting with juicy strawberries nestled in a creamy, tangy filling and topped with a golden, buttery crust, Strawberry Pie Bars are a treat that feels like summer in every bite. They combine the ease of bars with the lusciousness of a pie, delivering a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving something special for yourself, these bars are sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of texture and flavor that make the Strawberry Pie Bars so irresistible. From the lightly sweetened crust to the creamy, tart filling and the fresh berries, each component is simple yet essential.
- All purpose flour: Provides the structure for the crust and topping, ensuring that perfect crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling, balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
- Salt: A pinch adds depth and brings out the flavors in every bite.
- Chilled butter: Chopped into cubes, it creates that satisfying flaky, buttery crust and topping.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling together and lend richness and moisture.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to the filling to complement the strawberries perfectly.
- Fresh diced strawberries: The star ingredient, bursting with juicy flavor and vibrant color.
How to Make Strawberry Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 7×11 glass baking dish. In a large bowl, mix together the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and blend it into the dry ingredients using a dough blender until the mixture becomes crumbly. This crumbly texture is key as it will give you that perfect buttery crust and topping. Set aside about 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping, and evenly press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of your baking dish. Pop this into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until it just starts to turn golden.
Step 2: Whisk the Filling
While the crust is baking, it’s time to whip up the luscious filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth. Slowly add in the sugar, sour cream, flour, and a pinch of salt, continuing to whisk until everything is fully combined and silky. The sour cream not only enhances the texture but also adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries and Assemble
Gently fold the fresh diced strawberries into the filling mixture, taking care not to smash them so they remain juicy chunks throughout the bars. Pour this mixture evenly over your partially baked crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumbly crust mixture evenly on top to create that lovely golden topping that crisps up while baking.
Step 4: Final Bake and Cool
Bake the assembled bars for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful light brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow the bars to cool completely for about an hour before cutting them into squares. This resting time helps the bars firm up, making them easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie Bars
Garnishes
These Strawberry Pie Bars practically serve themselves, but you can elevate their appearance and flavor with a few simple garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely, delicate sweetness, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the tangy strawberries beautifully. Fresh mint leaves bring a pop of color and a refreshing aroma, perfect for a sunny day presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve Strawberry Pie Bars alongside light, refreshing side dishes to keep the meal balanced. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette works wonderfully if you’re enjoying these bars as a dessert after lunch or dinner. For a brunch gathering, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a lightly brewed tea pairs perfectly with the fruity, buttery flavors of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit creative, try layering the cut bars in a clear glass trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an eye-catching dessert display. Alternatively, present each bar on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or balsamic glaze for an elegant twist. These presentation styles make Strawberry Pie Bars even more special and memorable for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Pie Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The bars maintain their lovely texture and flavors, so you can enjoy this treat even days after baking. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen Strawberry Pie Bars will last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A warm bar served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure bliss.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor for Strawberry Pie Bars, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to your filling.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Both options provide similar tanginess and creaminess that enhance the filling’s flavor and texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure to check that your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 7×11 inch glass baking dish which is about 2 quarts in size. This size ensures the bars have the right thickness and bake evenly for the perfect texture.
How long do Strawberry Pie Bars keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, Strawberry Pie Bars stay fresh for up to 4 days. Beyond that, they might lose their texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time, and Strawberry Pie Bars hit that mark perfectly. With their simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they are accessible for any home baker eager to impress family and friends. Once you try these bars, you’ll understand why they are such a cherished recipe — perfect for any occasion and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait to bake a batch and enjoy a sweet, fruity slice of happiness today!
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Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Pie Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust and topping, filled with a creamy strawberry custard. Perfectly sweet and luscious, these bars are an easy-to-make dessert ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a fruity treat.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 sticks chilled butter, cubed (3/4 cup)
Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups fresh diced strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7×11 inch (2 quart) glass baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and the chilled cubed butter. Use a dough blender or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form Crust Base: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Evenly press the remaining dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it is lightly set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in 3 cups of fresh diced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated without breaking them up too much.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the filling to cover it.
- Bake Bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least one hour to fully set before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; frozen strawberries may release too much liquid.
- Allow bars to cool completely to ensure clean cuts and proper set.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2×2 inch piece)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: strawberry pie bars, strawberry dessert, crumb bars, fruit bars, summer dessert, easy strawberry recipe
