Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Bars Inspired by Ice Cream Favorites

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to turn a beloved ice cream memory into a warm, bakery-style dessert you can slice and share?

Few desserts spark instant nostalgia like strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. That creamy strawberry center, the soft vanilla cake coating, and those signature crunchy crumbs bring back memories of summer afternoons, corner shops, and sticky fingers. This recipe takes that inspiration and lovingly transforms it into a traditional, home-baked sheet pan dessert—easy to make, generous in size, and perfect for gatherings.

These strawberry shortcake bars are all about balance. The base is a tender vanilla cake baked right in a sheet pan, sturdy enough to hold layers yet soft and comforting with every bite. On top, a sweet strawberry layer brings bright flavor and gentle tang, reminiscent of classic ice cream fillings but with the richness of real fruit. Finally, everything is crowned with a buttery golden crumble that mimics the iconic shortcake crunch we all adore.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and old-fashioned charm. No complicated steps, no fancy tools—just good ingredients, a single pan, and a little time in the oven. It’s the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a picnic table, at a family celebration, or served warm with coffee on a quiet afternoon ☕.

If you love desserts that feel familiar yet special, playful yet comforting, these Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Bars Inspired by Ice Cream Favorites will quickly become a favorite. Slice them big, share them generously, and enjoy the joy that comes from baking something truly nostalgic. ❤️

Ingredients 🥣

For the Vanilla Shortcake Base

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Strawberry Layer

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crunchy Shortcake Crumble

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed sheet pan (9×13 or similar) with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the shortcake base. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This creates a soft, tender cake texture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with milk, mixing gently until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top.
7. For the strawberry layer, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened and jam-like. Let cool slightly.
8. Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the cake batter, gently spreading it without fully mixing the layers.
9. To make the crumble, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly, then mix in vanilla.
10. Sprinkle the crumble generously over the strawberry layer.
11. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out mostly clean.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Nutritional Information 📊

These bars are a joyful dessert meant for sharing and savoring. Made with real fruit and a homemade cake base, they strike a lovely balance between indulgent and comforting. Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size.

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 40 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour

⚡ Calories per serving: ~260 per bar
🍽️ Servings: 16 bars

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️