Irresistible Strawberry Pie Bars
A delightful dessert combining sweet strawberries with a buttery crust, topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute gluten-free flour if necessary.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced Can substitute with other berries if desired.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar Additional sugar for the filling.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Can substitute with non-dairy cream cheese or coconut cream.
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and pre-measure them.
Cooking the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Blend until coarse crumbs form.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Making the Filling
- While the crust is baking, mix sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a separate bowl.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Final Baking
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pie bars.
Serving
- Slice the bars into squares and serve.
Notes
These bars are great for meal prepping, and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.