Introduction
Fresh Strawberry Bars are a delightful treat that celebrates the sweet and juicy flavor of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon at home. With a buttery crust and a fruity filling, these bars are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The vibrant color and rich taste make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the crust:
– all-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
– granulated sugar: ½ cup
– unsalted butter: ½ cup, melted
– salt: ¼ teaspoon
For the filling:
– fresh strawberries: 2 cups, chopped
– granulated sugar: ¾ cup
– cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
– lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
– vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
The preparation time for Fresh Strawberry Bars is approximately 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal recipe when you want to whip up a dessert quickly without a lot of hassle.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is about 30 minutes, and once combined with the prep time, the total time to make these delicious bars is around 45 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging yourself!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment overhangs the edges to facilitate easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
Add melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 4: Press the Mixture
Take half of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the lined baking pan to form a solid base.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a separate bowl, combine fresh strawberries (washed and sliced) with sugar and lemon juice. Mix gently until the strawberries are well coated.
Step 6: Add the Filling
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the pressed base in the baking pan.
Step 7: Crumble the Remaining Mixture
Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture evenly over the strawberry filling.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into bars.
Notes
Fresh Strawberries
For best results, use fresh and ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries can be used, but may release more moisture.
Storage
Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry bars can be served plain or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
Cook techniques
Preparing Strawberries
To achieve the best flavor, select ripe and fragrant strawberries. Wash them gently under cold water and pat dry with a towel. Remove the stems and slice them uniformly for even cooking.
Making the Crust
Combine flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press it evenly into the baking dish for a sturdy foundation that holds the filling.
Cooking the Filling
Use a saucepan to mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices, creating a flavorful filling.
Baking
Preheat the oven before baking the assembled bars. This ensures that they cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly set filling and golden crust.
Cooling
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish after removing them from the oven. This step helps the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
Slicing
For clean slices, use a sharp knife to cut the bars after they have cooled completely. Clean the knife between cuts to maintain neat edges.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time to allow the moisture to evaporate.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I substitute the flour?
Yes, you can use alternative flours such as almond flour or gluten-free flour, though the texture may vary.
Do I need to use lemon juice?
Lemon juice enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! You can mix in other berries or fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Fresh Strawberry Bars are a delightful treat that beautifully combines the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries with a buttery crust and a creamy filling. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or simply as a delicious dessert, these bars are sure to impress. They showcase the sweetness of strawberries while providing a satisfying texture that makes each bite enjoyable. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, these strawberry bars are a delightful way to celebrate the bounty of summer.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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