Strawberry Bars

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (large)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp almond extract
• 1.75 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2.5 cup strawberries (hulled and diced)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1.5 tbsp milk (1-2 tbsp)

Steps

1. 1

   To make the strawberry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. 2

   Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries start to break down.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

4. 4

   Pour the slurry into the strawberry mixture and stir well.

5. 5

   Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the filling thickens and looks glossy. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

7. 7

   In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

8. 8

   In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.

10. 10

    Add the dry mixture and mix until just incorporated. Reserve 1/3 cup of dough.

11. 11

    Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan and top with the cooled strawberry filling.

12. 12

    Drop the reserved dough in small pieces over the filling.

13. 13

    Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely.

14. 14

    Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bars.

Notes

Ensure the strawberry filling is cooled before spreading it over the dough to prevent the base from becoming soggy. For the glaze, start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• baked
• strawberry
• fruit bars
• summer
• vegetarian