Strawberry Shortbread Bars
This lovely dessert has a shortbread crust, topped with strawberry preserves and a coconut topping. It's delightful for holiday parties and Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
This lovely dessert has a shortbread crust, topped with strawberry preserves and a coconut topping. It's delightful for holiday parties and Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 cups coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ((bleached flour tou
- 1 tbsp. milk ((i used half-and-half))
- 1 large egg (slightly beaten)
- 12 oz. strawberry preserves
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter (melted)
- Carbohydrate 1.21934555608558 g
- Cholesterol 19.1252777861045 mg
- Fat 6.30900611618322 g
- Fiber 0.60000000050721 g
- Protein 0.637053611104278 g
- Saturated Fat 4.4945125592468 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (20g)
- Sodium 1171.09933666959 mg
- Sugar 0.619345555578372 g
- Trans Fat 0.438482083670192 g
- Calories 62 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 350°.
- Spray a 9x13" baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
- To make crust: mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
- Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg and milk and stir to combine.
- Press mixture down very firmly into bottom of prepared pan with a fork or your hands.
- Spread strawberry preserves on top of crust layer to within ⅛ to ½ inch of border.
- To make topping: Beat egg with a fork.
- Stir in sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
- Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
- Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
- Cool completely before cutting.
Strawberry Shortbread Bars: A Simple Holiday Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake elaborate desserts is often a challenge. But when it comes to holiday gatherings, I love to offer something special, something that tastes as good as it looks. That's where my easy Strawberry Shortbread Bars come in. These bars are surprisingly simple to make, requiring no special baking skills, yet deliver a sophisticated flavor and texture that impresses every time. They're the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a delightful buttery shortbread base, a luscious layer of strawberry preserves, and a light, coconutty topping. The recipe is adaptable too; I've been known to experiment with different types of preserves, even using homemade ones for a truly unique touch. This recipe is my go-to for everything from casual holiday get-togethers to more formal Christmas cookie exchanges; it's always a hit!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The shortbread crust comes together quickly, requiring no chilling time, a lifesaver for those busy weekday evenings. The strawberry preserves add a beautiful layer of vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, perfectly complementing the buttery shortbread. And the coconut topping? It’s a light and airy finish, adding a textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert. I often find myself making a double batch, especially during the holiday season, as they’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, and colleagues. The bars also travel well, making them an ideal contribution to potlucks and holiday parties. Their stunning presentation is an added bonus; they look as elegant as any bakery treat!
More than just a dessert, these Strawberry Shortbread Bars are a reminder to savor the little moments. The process of baking them, from measuring the ingredients to the satisfying aroma that fills the kitchen, is a mindful experience. And sharing the finished product with loved ones? That’s the best part. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, give these bars a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a perfect way to add a touch of homemade goodness to your holiday celebrations. They're also incredibly versatile; you could easily adapt the recipe by using different fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot, for a unique twist. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the topping for added crunch. The possibilities are endless!
I encourage you to experiment and make this recipe your own. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, perhaps adding a touch more sugar or using a less sweet type of preserve. Feel free to get creative with the toppings; a dusting of powdered sugar would add a beautiful finishing touch. Ultimately, the most important ingredient is the love and care you put into making them. Happy baking!
