Easy Easter Strawberry Bars
Sweet and nutty strawberry bars with a buttery crust, almond topping, and tangy jam filling, perfect for spring gatherings or Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 15 x 10 x 1/2-inch cookie pan.
- Sift together 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and margarine until fluffy.
- Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat on low speed until crumbly.
- Add slivered almonds, grated lemon peel, and beaten eggs.
- Stir with a fork until evenly moistened.
- Remove 1 cup of dough and set aside.
- Pat the remaining dough into the prepared pan.
- Spread jam over the dough, keeping a 1/2-inch border from the sides.
- Combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour with the set-aside dough and crumble it over the jam.
- Bake for 22 to 27 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the slivered almonds or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Make sure to use fresh strawberries or a high-quality strawberry jam for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry bars are perfect for brunch or dessert. Serve them alongside a slice of Hot Broccoli Soup for a delightful contrast in flavors. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider adding fresh strawberries on the side for an extra fruity touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. They also freeze well; wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Easter Strawberry Bars contains roughly 265 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 780mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars. This will help maintain the right consistency and flavor in your Easy Easter Strawberry Bars.
What can I use instead of lemon peel?
If you don't have lemon peel, you can substitute it with orange peel for a different citrus flavor. Alternatively, a teaspoon of lemon juice can also work, but use it sparingly to avoid adding too much liquid to the dough.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately to achieve the right texture. The baking powder should also be gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).