Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Pie Bars combine the sweet, fruity flavor of classic strawberry pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. Perfect for summer picnics or a simple dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Step 3: Remove the crust from the oven and spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over it.
- Step 4: Crumble the remaining dough over the filling as a topping. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
- Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the crust mixture.
- Use fresh strawberries and homemade filling for a fresher taste.
- Try other pie fillings like blueberry or cherry for different variations.
Storage
Store the strawberry pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberry pie filling?
Yes, frozen pie filling can be used. Be sure it’s fully thawed and drained if necessary to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.
PrintStrawberry Pie Bars Recipe
Strawberry Pie Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, tender crust topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling. Easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a fruity treat, these bars combine the classic flavors of strawberry pie in a convenient handheld form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars (about 3x3-inch squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups strawberry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Form the base: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to create the crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Add the filling: Remove the crust from the oven and spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the warm crust.
- Top and bake again: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the strawberry filling.
- Final baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use fresh strawberries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch as an alternative to store-bought pie filling.
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust texture.
- Allow bars to cool fully to ensure the filling sets properly and slices hold their shape.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Strawberry pie bars, strawberry dessert bars, easy strawberry bars, berry dessert, summer dessert
