Indulge in the sweet, vibrant taste of strawberries with our Sumptuous Strawberry Bliss Bars. These bars are a delightful fusion of tender, moist cake and the rich, fruity flavor of strawberry jam, all topped with a fresh strawberry glaze that adds a bright pop of flavor and color. Perfect for strawberry lovers, this recipe is an elegant twist on classic fruit bars, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness that's utterly irresistible.
Why You'll Love This: The charm of these bars lies in their simplicity and the depth of strawberry flavor they offer. From the airy, buttery base to the sweet strawberry jam layer, and finally the fresh strawberry glaze, each component complements the others perfectly. It's a treat that's not too sweet, not too tart, but just right, making it ideal for any time of the year, whether strawberries are in season or not.
Perfect Occasion: These Strawberry Bliss Bars are perfect for spring picnics, summer barbecues, autumn tea times, and cozy winter gatherings. They're a hit at parties, potlucks, and as a special dessert for family dinners. Not to mention, they make a lovely homemade gift for friends and loved ones on special occasions or just because.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, top these bars with sliced fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of edible flowers before serving. You can also drizzle a little extra glaze in a zigzag pattern for a more visually appealing finish. The goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the strawberries and make these bars as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients:
- Bars:
- 1/2 cup Butter (at room temperature)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 Eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Strawberry Extract
- 1/4 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Strawberry Jam
- Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2-3 Strawberries (mashed)
- 2-3 teaspoons Milk
- Optional: 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon Strawberry Extract for enhanced flavor
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the strawberry extract and buttermilk, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Gently fold in the strawberry jam, then pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the glaze, combine the mashed strawberries with powdered sugar, adding milk a teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. Mix in the optional strawberry extract if using.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the glaze over the top.
Enjoy these Sumptuous Strawberry Bliss Bars as a delightful treat that brings the essence of strawberries to your dessert table.