Fresh Strawberry Bars blend the richness of peanut butter and butter with the sweetness of strawberries for a comforting and nostalgic treat. These bars are perfect for picnics, afternoon snacks, or casual desserts. The combination of strawberry jam and fresh strawberries on a soft, cookie-like base makes this a unique cross between a fruit bar and a blondie. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances creamy, crumbly, and fruity textures.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed )
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 4 cups strawberries (small, halved or quartered)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending the edges over the sides.
Step 2: Make Dough Base
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar; beat well.
- Add baking powder and salt. Mix until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Gradually stir in flour until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble Bars
- Spread dough evenly into prepared baking pan.
- Spread jam over the surface.
- Top with strawberries.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Remove using foil edges and cut into bars.
Tips
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a lighter, nuttier flavor.
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the dough for warmth.
- Swap the jam for raspberry, blackberry, or apricot.
- Mix in ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the dough for crunch.
- Use parchment paper instead of foil for easier removal.
- Add a thin lemon glaze on top for brightness.
- For softer bars, reduce baking time by 3 to 5 minutes.
- Replace strawberries with mixed berries for a summer berry bar.
- Make it a dessert plate: serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Freeze baked bars (without fruit topping) for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3.5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
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