There’s something about these Strawberry Shortcake Bars that feels like summer in every bite! With a tender cake-like base, a light, creamy topping, and sweet, juicy strawberries, these bars take everything you love about classic Strawberry Shortcake and turn it into an easy, sliceable dessert!

The Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Bars You’ll Want All Summer!

When I was a little girl, Strawberry Shortcake was my favorite. I’m not talking about the dessert, I’m talking about THE actual Strawberry Shortcake. To this day I get excited when I see her in the form of a puzzle, coloring book, or a toy! Sadly she is a thing of the past, so I usually only see her in Goodwill.

Coincidentally, Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorite summer-time desserts, too! When I am short on time, it’s faster to make these Strawberry Shortcake Bars, instead!

Not only are these super easy to make, but they are light and taste just like real thing. And I love that they aren’t too sweet!

Why this Recipe Works:

• Fresh Strawberries Bring Bright, Natural Flavor – Using fresh strawberries makes a huge difference. They had juicy sweetness, a slight tartness that balances the sugar, and a fresh, summery flavor!
• Creamy Layer Balances Sweetness – The cream cheese and whipped topping mixture works perfectly because it adds a smooth, creamy texture.
• Combines Balanced Flavors, Strong Structure & Layered Texture – Giving you Strawberry Shortcake in an easy, sliceable bar form that is both delicious and reliable.

Looking for more ways to use fresh strawberries? Everyone loves Strawberry Crisp, Strawberry Freezer Jam, and Strawberry Pretzel Salad, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup Butter (Softened) – Adds richness and creates a tender, moist base for the bars.
• 1 cup Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps create a soft, lightly golden texture.
• 2 Eggs – Binds the ingredients together while adding structure and moisture.
• 1 tsp Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them light and fluffy.
• 1 1/2 cups Flour – Forms the base structure, giving the bars stability and a soft crumb.
• 3/4 cup Milk – Adds moisture and ensures a smooth, tender batter.
• 1 tsp Vanilla – Enhances flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened) – Creates a rich, slightly tangy layer that balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture while keeping it smooth and creamy.
• 8 oz Cool Whip (Thawed) – Lightens the filling, making it fluffy and airy.
• 1 pint Strawberries (Sliced) – The star ingredient, adding fresh, juicy flavor and that classic Strawberry Shortcake taste!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar until creamy. Mix in 2 eggs and 1 tsp baking powder. Alternate between adding in the flour and milk, beating after each addition. Continue beating until well combined. Mix in vanilla.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Make sure not to over bake. The cake should be flat and light colored.
5. Remove from oven and let cool.
6. Slice strawberries and set aside.
7. In a medium size bowl, cream together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 8 oz thawed Cool Whip.
8. Once the cake has cooled, spread frosting over the cake evenly and top with a layer of sliced strawberries.

More Strawberry Shortcake:

• Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad
• Donut Strawberry Shortcake