Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Bars

Strawberry shortcake crumble bars bring together everything I love about classic summer desserts in an easy-to-share cookie bar form. These bars are layered with soft vanilla cake, a lusciously creamy Cool Whip frosting, and a nostalgic strawberry crunch topping that tastes just like those famous ice cream bars from childhood. They come together much faster than traditional shortcake and always make dessert time feel festive.

When I first made these bars for a family picnic, they vanished in minutes. The combination of soft cake, tangy cream, and crunchy topping is truly irresistible and my nieces now beg for these every year.

Ingredients

• Vanilla cake mix: A real time saver that gives consistent results every bake
• Large eggs: They help bind the batter and give richness Be sure they are at room temperature for easier mixing
• Vegetable oil: Adds moistness and tenderness Choose a neutral oil for best flavor
• Strawberry gelatin mix: This creates the signature pink color and fruity taste Look for a bright red mix with good aroma
• Vanilla instant pudding mix: Brings subtle vanilla perfume and helps the crumble stick together
• Unsalted butter: Use fresh high quality butter for the best flavor Divide it to keep the crumble separate and tender
• All purpose flour: Aids the crumbles texture Choose unbleached for a softer bite
• Cream cheese: Softened to perfect smoothness for a tangy sweet frosting
• Powdered sugar: Gives a fluffy smooth texture to the frosting Make sure yours is lump free
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the bar’s classic bakery flavor Use pure vanilla for top results
• Cool Whip topping: Lightens and smooths out the frosting Use freshly thawed for easy blending

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 350 degrees and line a nine inch square pan with foil smoothing out every corner Press the foil firmly and give it a thorough spray with nonstick spray so the bars lift easily later

Mix the Vanilla Bar Base:

In a large mixing bowl combine the entire box of vanilla cake mix the eggs and the vegetable oil Use an electric mixer and blend until a thick dough forms scraping down the sides to mix in every bit

Bake the Bars:

Scrape the dough into your lined pan Spread with a spatula or your fingers so the layer is level Bake for twenty minutes watching for golden edges Test with a toothpick and let cool completely

Prepare Strawberry Crumble:

In a small bowl combine dry strawberry gelatin four tablespoons of the butter and half a cup of flour Mix with a fork until pea sized bits form It is important to distribute the butter evenly so every crumb gets flavor

Prepare Vanilla Crumble:

In another bowl mix the vanilla pudding powder four tablespoons butter and the remaining half cup flour Use the fork again until you see soft crumbs This keeps the topping light and not greasy

Bake and Cool Crumbles:

Scatter both types of crumble across a lined baking sheet Try not to clump them up Bake at the same temperature for ten minutes stirring halfway to prevent browning Let them cool fully then transfer to the freezer for a quick chill

Make Frosting:

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl Add the thawed Cool Whip and blend on high speed until the frosting is cloudlike and has no lumps

Assemble the Bars:

Spread the cream cheese frosting over your cooled vanilla bar layer Swoop it to the very edges so every bite is creamy Shower the strawberry and vanilla crumbles on top and press down ever so gently

Cut and Serve:

Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the bars into squares Clean the blade between cuts for neat edges Serve right away or chill for ultimate coolness

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My favorite part is sprinkling on the crumbles which remind me of the strawberry shortcake ice cream snacks I used to get after swimming lessons The little bit of crunch and fruitiness on top makes each bar extra special My dad always steals the corner piece because it has the most crumble

Storage Tips

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week Chilling helps the frosting set so the bars stay neat and easy to stack You can freeze them for up to one month but let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture The crumble will hold its shape if you cool it completely before sprinkling

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find strawberry gelatin raspberry or lemon work beautifully For the vanilla bars you can use a yellow cake mix in a pinch If you want to skip Cool Whip use stiffly whipped cream mixed with a little extra powdered sugar instead Non dairy cream cheese also works well for a lighter bar

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars cold straight from the fridge for the perfect creamy bite They shine as a show stopping dessert for baby showers July picnics or simply as a happy summer snack Try topping with fresh sliced strawberries for even more fruitiness or drizzle with a little melted white chocolate for a bakery touch

Cultural and Historical Notes

Strawberry shortcake is a summertime classic in America with roots going back to the 1800s The iconic ice cream truck bars that inspired this recipe became a staple in the seventies Assembling these crumble bars brings all those nostalgic flavors into a simple non fussy format perfect for sharing

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the crumble topping crisp?

After baking, chill both strawberry and vanilla crumbles in the freezer for 10 minutes. This ensures a firm, crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layer below.

→ Can I substitute the strawberry gelatin mix?

Yes, you can use other flavored gelatin mixes such as raspberry or lemon for a unique twist on the crumble layer.

→ How do I store finished bars?

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is also an option.

→ What ensures the frosting stays fluffy?

Blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and Cool Whip on high speed until fully combined and airy.

→ Why cool the crumble before adding?

Allowing crumble toppings to cool completely prevents them from melting the whipped topping, keeping textures distinct.

→ Should the bars be served chilled?

For a firmer texture and clean slices, chill the assembled bars before serving. They can also be served at room temperature if preferred.