Description
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a one-pan, 50-minute dessert with a buttery cake-mix shortcake base, fluffy whipped cream–cream cheese frosting, and fresh sliced strawberries on top—no layering or assembly required.
Ingredients
1 box yellow or white cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
1) Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or foil and lightly spray.
2) Make the base: Mix cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until thick and combined.
3) Press evenly into the prepared pan.
4) Bake 15–20 minutes, until edges are light golden and the top no longer looks wet.
5) Cool completely in the pan on a rack.
6) Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and whip to stiff peaks.
7) Spread frosting evenly over the cooled base.
8) Top with sliced strawberries just before serving.
9) Slice into bars (wipe knife between cuts) and serve.
Notes
– Don’t overbake the base; it finishes setting as it cools.
– For clean cuts: chill frosted (untopped) pan 20–30 minutes, then slice and add berries.
– If berries are watery: pat dry and add right before serving.
– Make-ahead: bake base 1–2 days ahead (covered). Frosting can be made up to 24 hours ahead (refrigerate).
– Storage: best within 24 hours once topped with berries (covered, refrigerated). Freeze unfrosted base up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: One-pan baking
- Cuisine: American