Strawberry Shortcake Bars with Crunchy Crumble Topping

Spread the love

Created on July 21st, 2025 at 11:05 am

Strawberry Shortcake Bars

These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are the ultimate nostalgic summer treat—soft vanilla base, whipped frosting, and that iconic sweet crumble topping everyone fights over! 🍓✨

⏱️ Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

📝 Ingredients List:

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

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Bars:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch cake pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until dough forms.
Press evenly into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely.
Make the Crumble Topping:
In one small bowl, combine strawberry gelatin, 4 tbsp butter, and ½ cup flour. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
In another bowl, mix vanilla pudding mix, 4 tbsp butter, and remaining ½ cup flour the same way.
Spread both mixtures onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Stir at the 5-minute mark to prevent burning.
After baking, place pan in freezer for 10 minutes to cool completely ❄️
Whip the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Add Cool Whip and beat until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Bars:
Frost the cooled vanilla bars, then sprinkle generously with crumble topping.
Slice into squares and serve! 🍰

💡 Pro Tips Section:

Cool Before Topping: Always let both bars and crumble cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the frosting.
Flavor Swap: Try raspberry, lemon, or lime gelatin for a fun twist.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze bars after cutting—eat frozen or thaw in the fridge.
Party-Perfect: These make a fun chilled dessert for birthdays, BBQs, and potlucks.

📊 Nutrition Info Table:

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bar	536	6g	72g	25g	1g	46g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.