Craving a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious? Look no further! These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the rich flavors of vanilla cake, strawberry crumble, and creamy Cool Whip frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Vanilla Bars:
– 1 box vanilla cake mix
– 2 large eggs
– ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Strawberry Crumble:
– 1 (3 oz.) package strawberry gelatin mix (dry)
– 1 (3 oz.) package vanilla instant pudding mix (dry)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
Cool Whip Frosting:
– 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip topping, thawed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Bars
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, mix together the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined and dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
1. In a small bowl, combine the strawberry gelatin mix, 4 tablespoons of butter, and ½ cup of flour. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together until crumble forms.
2. In another small bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix, 4 tablespoons of butter, and ½ cup of flour. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together until crumble forms.
3. Spread both the strawberry and vanilla crumble onto a lined cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, checking at 5 minutes and stirring to prevent burning.
4. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool down the crumble quickly for sprinkling on top of the bars.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
1. In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and Cool Whip. Blend on high until the frosting is light and fluffy.
2. Frost the top of the cooled bars and sprinkle a generous amount of crumble on top.
3. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
– **Flavored Jello Mix:** If you’re not feeling Strawberry Crunch Bars, try a different flavor by using your favorite fruit flavor of jello mix. Raspberry, lime, or lemon are great alternatives!
– **Frozen Treat:** Just like the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake, you can enjoy this recipe frozen.
– **Chilled Delight:** After baking and assembling, chill the bars in the refrigerator and serve cold. They are also great at room temperature.
– **Make Ahead:** This is the perfect treat to make ahead of time and have ready whenever you need them. Store the assembled bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
– **Crumble Cooling:** When the crumble comes out of the oven, place it in a container and put it in the freezer for 10 minutes to help it cool quickly. You don’t want to add hot
crumble to the frosting.
– **Storage:** Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
– **Freezing:** You can freeze these tasty bars once they are made and cooled. For easy access, cut them into squares and freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer gallon bag. When ready to eat, enjoy them as a frozen treat or thaw in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer them chilled, frozen, or at room temperature, they are sure to be a hit! Perfect for any gathering or just as a sweet indulgence at home, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep handy. Enjoy!