Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe for Summer Bliss

Sweet summer memories bloom in these delightful strawberry pie bars that combine comfort and nostalgia.

Bright red berries peek through a golden, buttery crust like jewels waiting to be savored.

Baking these treats fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that pulls everyone closer.

Layers of rich, creamy filling complement the sharp, fresh fruit in every single bite.

Each square promises a perfect balance between tender pastry and luscious strawberry goodness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dessert accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Slice into these bars and watch faces light up with pure deliciousness.

Why Easy Strawberry Pie Bars Are a Crowd Favorite

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Craft a delightful dessert without complicated techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Bursting with fresh strawberries and a buttery crumble, these bars guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike.
  • Versatile Sweet Treat: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, summer gatherings, or a simple weekend family dessert that requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored easily, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Everything You Need for Easy Strawberry Pie Bars

Pie Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure and texture to the pie bars.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender base.
  • Cold Butter: Ensures a flaky and rich pie base with a crumbly texture.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie base.
Strawberry Filling:
  • Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries and adds additional sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling and prevents excess liquid.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
Crumble Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar, All-Purpose Flour, Softened Butter, Cinnamon: Combines to create a sweet and spiced crumbly layer that adds texture and flavor to the pie bars.

Easy Steps for Making Strawberry Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like rough, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Create the Dough Base

Whisk egg and vanilla extract together, then gently fold into the flour mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 4: Form the Bottom Layer

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth and consistent base layer that covers the entire bottom.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

  • Wash and hull fresh strawberries
  • Slice strawberries into uniform pieces
In a separate bowl, gently toss strawberries with:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt

Ensure strawberries are evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 6: Layer the Strawberry Mixture

Spread the strawberry mixture carefully and evenly over the prepared pie base, creating a vibrant red layer.

Step 7: Create the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flour
  • Softened butter
  • Cinnamon

Blend until the mixture becomes a delightful, crumbly texture.

Step 8: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously and evenly over the strawberry layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for golden edges and a bubbling filling as signs of doneness.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve at room temperature. Enjoy the sweet, fruity goodness!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pie Bars Every Time

  • Prevent Soggy Base: Pat strawberries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and stop the crust from becoming wet.
  • Slice Strawberries Evenly: Use a sharp knife to cut strawberries into uniform pieces for consistent baking and attractive presentation.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or orange zest to the strawberry mixture for a subtle, complex taste profile.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantity based on strawberry ripeness – less sugar for sweet berries, more for tart ones.
  • Achieve Perfect Crumble: Freeze butter for 10 minutes before cutting into the flour mixture to create a flakier, more defined crumble topping.

Strawberry Pie Bars With a Tasty Twist

  • Berry Bliss Bars: Replace strawberries with a mixed berry medley of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
  • Tropical Dream Bars: Swap strawberries with diced mangoes and add shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a sunny, island-inspired dessert.
  • Peach Perfection Bars: Substitute strawberries with fresh, ripe peaches and incorporate almond extract into the base for a sweet summer treat.
  • Rustic Apple Crumble Bars: Use thinly sliced apples instead of strawberries, and enhance the crumble with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy autumn feel.

What to Serve With Easy Strawberry Pie Bars

  • Pair Sweet Rosé Wine: Complement the strawberry pie bars' fruity sweetness with a chilled, light rosé that enhances the dessert's delicate flavors and refreshing strawberry notes.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a creamy, cold scoop alongside the warm pie bars to create a delightful temperature contrast and amplify the dessert's rich, buttery undertones.
  • Match Lavender Chamomile Tea: Brew a delicate herbal tea that provides a subtle floral backdrop, balancing the pie bars' sugary intensity and offering a soothing, aromatic companion.
  • Garnish with Fresh Mint: Sprinkle chopped mint leaves on top to introduce a bright, cooling element that cuts through the dessert's sweetness and adds a refreshing herbal touch.

Storage Advice for Easy Strawberry Pie Bars

  • Store the strawberry pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep bars at room temperature for up to 2 days if serving within a short period. Place in a covered container to maintain freshness and prevent dust or insects.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper when storing multiple bars to prevent sticking and maintain their crisp texture.

Your Questions About Strawberry Pie Bars Answered

  • Are the strawberry pie bars difficult to make?

No, these bars are easy to prepare. The recipe requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries might release too much liquid and make the bars soggy, affecting the overall texture.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for golden edges and a bubbling filling. The top crumble should be lightly golden and the strawberry layer should look set but still slightly juicy.

  • What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is recommended. Using parchment paper with overhang makes removing and cutting the bars much easier and cleaner.

Print
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Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe

Strawberry Pie Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours and 15-20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable strawberry pie bars blend sweet, crumbly crust with luscious fruit filling for a delightful dessert experience. Summer’s freshest berries shine in this simple, irresistible treat that delivers pure joy on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling:

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
  2. Create the pie base by combining flour and sugar in a mixing bowl, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Whisk the egg and vanilla extract together, then fold into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a uniform bottom layer.
  5. Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into uniform pieces.
  6. In a separate bowl, gently toss the strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt until evenly coated.
  7. Spread the strawberry mixture carefully and evenly over the pie base.
  8. Prepare the crumble topping by mixing powdered sugar, flour, softened butter, and cinnamon until it creates a crumbly texture.
  9. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously and evenly over the strawberry layer.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.
  12. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, slice into squares, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Chill the butter beforehand to ensure a flaky, tender crust that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries at peak season for the most intense, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
  • Adjust cornstarch quantity based on strawberry ripeness to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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