Name: Strawberry Pie Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups graham crumbs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 tbsp sugar (additional for crust); 2 tsp unflavoured gelatin powder (stirred into 1/4 cup cold water); 6 cups sliced strawberries (divided in 2 halves); 3/4 cup sugar (use up to 1 1/4 cups if sweeter); 1/4 cup water; 2 tbsp corn starch (dissolved in 1/4 cup water); 1 cup whipping cream; 2 tbsp icing sugar (powdered sugar); 1 tsp vanilla extract

Introduction to Strawberry Pie Bars

The irresistible appeal of strawberry pie bars

If you're on the lookout for a sweet treat that’s both delightful and easy to whip up, Strawberry Pie Bars are the answer! Picture this: a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a luscious strawberry filling that bursts with fresh, fruity flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel nostalgic, reminiscent of summer picnics and family gatherings.

What makes these bars so appealing? For one, they come together quickly—perfect for busy professionals who want to treat themselves without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients like fresh strawberries and graham crumbs, you can avoid artificial colors and flavors that are often found in store-bought desserts. You’ll feel great about serving them to friends and family!

Why not elevate your Strawberry Pie Bars with homemade vanilla whipped cream? This extra touch adds a creamy richness that perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries. Plus, there’s something special about making your own toppings instead of reaching for the store-bought options.

Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started on a dessert that will make everyone ask for seconds!

Ingredients for Strawberry Pie Bars

When it comes to making delicious Strawberry Pie Bars, the quality of your ingredients can really elevate the dish. Here’s what you need to gather for each component to ensure your bars are as scrumptious as possible!

For the graham crumb crust

2 cups graham crumbs: For that delectable foundation.
½ cup melted butter: This adds richness and binds everything together.
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon sugar: Sweetness is key to balancing the tartness of the strawberries.

For the strawberry filling

2 teaspoon unflavoured gelatin powder (stirred into ¼ cup cold water): This helps the filling set perfectly.
6 cups sliced strawberries (divided into two halves): Fresh, juicy strawberries are a must for flavor.
¾ cup sugar (feel free to adjust up to 1 ¼ cups for a sweeter taste): Personalize it to your liking!
¼ cup water: This helps cook the filling down.
2 tablespoon corn starch (dissolved in ¼ cup water): To thicken the filling just right.

For the vanilla whipped cream

1 cup whipping cream: For that light, fluffy texture.
2 tablespoon icing sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens up your cream beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of flavor that brings everything together.

With these ingredients on hand, you're well on your way to creating a delightful treat that will impress friends and family alike! For more details on egg-free and dairy-free options, check out this guide on substituting ingredients. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Step-by-step Preparation for Strawberry Pie Bars

When it comes to making strawberry pie bars, the process is just as delightful as the end result. Here's your guide to crafting these delicious treats, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

Prepare the graham crumb base

Creating a sturdy and flavorful crust is essential for your strawberry pie bars. Start by measuring 2 cups of graham crumbs into a mixing bowl. Make a small well in the center to pour in ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar and ½ cup of melted butter. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes; this helps the butter absorb into the sugar, ensuring your crust sets perfectly. After that, mix the ingredients well and press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x9 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake this base in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature before adding your filling.

Create the strawberry filling

Now on to the star of the show: the strawberry filling! Start by stirring 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin powder into ¼ cup of cold water and letting it bloom. Meanwhile, you’ll want to slice up 6 cups of strawberries, dividing them into two halves. In a medium saucepan, combine one half of the strawberries with ¾ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water. Stir this over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble. Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch that you've dissolved in ¼ cup of water for thickness, then add your bloomed gelatin. Stir until everything is well combined and thickened. Remove from heat and gently fold in the remaining strawberries for that fresh pop of flavor.

Assemble the pie bars

Take your cooled graham crust and pour the luscious strawberry filling over it, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Now, this is where you can get creative! For a rustic touch, sprinkle some extra graham crumbs over the top or arrange a few whole strawberries for visual appeal.

Chill and set the bars

Chilling is crucial! Pop the assembled dessert into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set properly, giving you those lovely clean cuts when it's time to serve.

Prepare the vanilla whipped cream

To top off your strawberry pie bars, make some simple vanilla whipped cream. Using an electric mixer, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then, gently add 2 tablespoons of icing sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to whip until you reach the desired consistency. This creamy, sweet topping will complement your bars perfectly.

And there you have it! You’re all set to enjoy homemade strawberry pie bars that are not only stunning but also bursting with fresh flavor. Dive in and savor every sweet bite! For more tips on using strawberries in desserts, check out resources like Strawberry.org.

Variations on Strawberry Pie Bars

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bars

If you're looking to mix things up, try adding rhubarb to your strawberry pie bars! The tartness of rhubarb complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully. Simply blend equal parts sliced strawberries and rhubarb for a delightful twist. You can even adjust the sugar to enhance the balance between sweet and tart. This variation not only brings a unique flavor but also boosts your dessert's nutritional value, as rhubarb is rich in vitamin K and fiber.

For more rhubarb recipe ideas, check out this link.

Chocolate Drizzle Strawberry Pie Bars

For chocolate enthusiasts, why not elevate your strawberry pie bars with a decadent chocolate drizzle? Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled pie bars for a lavish finish. The rich chocolate harmonizes with the fruity filling, creating a luscious contrast that is sure to impress. Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Need more chocolate inspiration? Explore some chocolate dessert recipes here.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Pie Bars

Ensuring a Perfect Crust

Getting that perfect graham cracker crust is easy if you follow a few simple steps. Press the crumb mixture firmly into your pan to create a solid base that holds together when baked. Allowing it to cool completely before adding the filling is essential; this helps maintain the structure and prevents a soggy bottom!

Using Fresh Versus Frozen Strawberries

When it comes to the strawberry filling, fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, but don’t overlook frozen ones! They’re convenient and can be just as delicious. If using frozen, let them thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a watery filling. This simple tip can elevate your Strawberry Pie Bars and make them unforgettable. Want to know more about strawberry varieties? Check out this guide on strawberry types.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Pie Bars

Pairing with Tea or Coffee

When enjoying your Strawberry Pie Bars, consider pairing them with a comforting cup of tea or coffee. A hot cup of English Breakfast tea, with its robust flavor, complements the sweet and tangy notes of fresh strawberries beautifully. Alternatively, a smooth cappuccino can enhance the creamy texture of the vanilla whipped cream. The balance of warm beverages with your chilled bars creates a delightful experience—perfect for cozy gatherings or a peaceful afternoon treat.

Creative Serving Dishes

Presentation matters! Try serving your Strawberry Pie Bars on a charming tiered cake stand for a touch of elegance, or use colorful dessert plates to make the strawberries pop. For a fun twist, consider placing portions in mason jars for individual servings, making them easily portable for picnics or potlucks. A sprinkle of fresh mint on top adds a dash of color and freshness, bringing your dessert to a whole new level of appeal.

For further inspiration, check out Food52 for creative serving ideas that will make your dessert stand out!

Time Breakdown for Strawberry Pie Bars

When preparing your delicious Strawberry Pie Bars, keeping track of time will help you enjoy this delightful dessert without any stress. Here’s how it breaks down:

Preparation Time

Getting everything ready takes about 25 minutes. This includes measuring your ingredients and mixing your graham crumb crust.

Cooking Time

Once your bars are in the oven, you’ll need around 25 minutes for them to bake.

Total Time

In just 50 minutes, you can have fresh Strawberry Pie Bars ready to impress your friends and family!

For more insights on timing and other tips, check out this article on baking basics to ensure your desserts are always a hit. Enjoy those heavenly flavors!

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Pie Bars

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Pie Bars contains approximately 210 calories, making them a delightful yet indulgent treat that won’t break the calorie bank.

Sugar content

With about 18 grams of sugar per serving, these bars balance sweetness and the natural flavor of fresh strawberries, ensuring your dessert fix is satisfying without being overwhelming.

Fat content

You'll find around 9 grams of fat in each serving, largely due to the buttery graham cracker crust, providing a rich texture that complements the fruity filling perfectly.

For those interested in more detailed nutritional insights, you can dive into resources like the USDA FoodData Central, which offers comprehensive dietary information. Eating a balanced diet can be challenging, especially when it comes to the sweet stuff, so having data at hand can help you make informed choices.

Have you tried making these Strawberry Pie Bars part of your healthier dessert repertoire? They’re perfect for summer gatherings or just indulging during a cozy night in!

FAQs about Strawberry Pie Bars

Can I make strawberry pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Strawberry Pie Bars can be made a day in advance, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Just prepare the bars, let them cool completely, and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing their taste!

What are the best storage methods for leftovers?

To keep your Strawberry Pie Bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain delicious for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to indulge, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Definitely! While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to get creative. Ripe blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of seasonal fruits can be swapped in for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that different fruits have varying sweetness levels—adjust the sugar accordingly! For more tips and fruit pairings, check out this fruit substitution guide.

Conclusion on Strawberry Pie Bars

Recap of deliciousness and ease of the recipe

In just 50 minutes, you can whip up Strawberry Pie Bars that deliver a blissful combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a buttery graham crust. Perfect for gatherings or a treat at home, these bars are not only delicious but also easy to make—ideal for any baking novice!

For more inspiration, check out this handy guide on baking techniques to elevate your dessert game!