Strawberry Pie Bars
There’s something about strawberry pie bars that just sings of summer. These delightful treats are bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries, perfectly encased in a buttery, soft crust. With a sweet glaze drizzled on top, they are irresistible for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a garden party, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon at home. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of these Strawberry Pie Bars and discover how to make them a household favorite.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Strawberry Pie Bars stand out is their simple yet delightful flavor combination. The use of both vanilla and almond extracts in the crust elevates the taste profile, offering a unique twist that pairs beautifully with the rich strawberry filling. Plus, the ease of cutting these bars into squares makes them perfect for sharing. They combine the best of a pie and a bar cookie, making them a versatile dessert that everyone will love.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these luscious Strawberry Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened – This will create a rich, buttery base for your bars.
- 2 cups sugar – Sweeten things up and balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- 4 eggs – These will help bind the ingredients together, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract – This brings a delightful nutty note that complements the strawberries.
- 3 cups flour – The foundation of your crust and filling.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) Lucky Leaf strawberry pie filling – The star of the show, providing that sweet, fruity goodness.
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For a sweet finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – To echo the flavors in the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Just like in the crust, it ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons milk – To achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
Recommended Tools
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable:
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The ideal size for baking and cutting your bars.
- Mixing bowls – For combining all your ingredients.
- Whisk – To ensure everything is mixed well and free of lumps.
- Spatula – For spreading the filling evenly in the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure your ingredients for the best results.
Strawberry Pie Bars Made Stepwise
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making these delicious Strawberry Pie Bars!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
Step 3: Make the Crust Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your crust tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Spread half of the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly. Pour the two cans of Lucky Leaf strawberry pie filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining crust mixture on top of the filling. It doesn’t need to be perfect; a rustic look adds charm!
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this delightful mixture over the cooled bars.
Spring to Winter: Ideas
These Strawberry Pie Bars are perfect for any season, but here are some ideas to adapt them throughout the year:
- Add fresh strawberries on top for a summer twist.
- Incorporate a layer of lemon zest for a refreshing spring flavor.
- Try substituting the strawberry filling with raspberry or blueberry in fall.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on cold winter nights.
Author’s Commentary
As a passionate home baker, I believe that desserts should not only taste good but also bring joy to those who enjoy them. These Strawberry Pie Bars do just that! They are incredibly easy to make and offer a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. I often find myself making these for gatherings, and they always disappear quickly. Plus, they can easily be customized with different fruit fillings or toppings, making them a versatile recipe to keep on hand.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your Strawberry Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Strawberry Pie Bars FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While you can use fresh strawberries, you’ll need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a filling texture similar to pie filling.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and they will still turn out delicious.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.
You Might Also Like
- Pumpkin Pie – A classic favorite for fall gatherings.
- Maple Pecan Pie Bars Shortbread Crust – A delicious twist on traditional pecan pie.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Strawberry Pie Bars, gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful dessert together. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a picnic or savoring a quiet moment at home, these bars are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 6: Spread half of the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Pour the strawberry filling over it, then add spoonfuls of the remaining crust on top.
- Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let it cool, then whisk the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Try using different fruit fillings for a variation!
