Description
Crisp shortbread crust topped with a jammy strawberry filling and finished with a tangy lemon cream cheese glaze. These bars are easy to make, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (450g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and lightly grease with butter spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, ½ cup sugar, and salt until combined like wet sand. Add flour and mix until a dough forms. Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while making the filling. Leave oven on.
- In a separate bowl, combine sliced strawberries, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pour strawberry mixture over the partially baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is bubbly and edges are golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack (at least 1 hour).
- In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread glaze evenly over cooled bars. Let glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Notes
If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bars. Pre-baking the crust ensures a crisp base. Cool bars completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry shortbread bars, lemon glazed dessert, easy bars recipe, make ahead dessert, summer dessert, strawberry bars, cream cheese glaze