These Strawberry Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a soft, buttery crumb. Perfect for any occasion, they’re ready in just 40 minutes, making them an easy yet impressive dessert. The moist, tender texture pairs beautifully with the vibrant bursts of strawberry flavor, creating a balance that’s both comforting and refreshing.
With a golden crust and a hint of tangy sweetness, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of juicy fruit and rich, cakey goodness, making them ideal for dessert lovers of all ages. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up on a busy day but special enough to share at gatherings or enjoy as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cake Bars
- For the Bars:
- ▢ 15.25 ounces Strawberry Cake Mix (1 box)
- ▢ ¼ cup vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
- ▢ 1 large egg
- ▢ ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness, but any milk works)
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons strawberry jam (use seedless for a smoother texture)
- ▢ ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, but adds a sweet touch)
- For the Frosting (optional):
- ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
- ▢ 1-2 Tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons strawberry jam
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×11″ or 9×9″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, and egg. Stir until well combined.
- Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, mixing as you go. The batter should remain thick and dense—avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the extras: Gently fold in the strawberry jam and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars will be slightly soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes before cutting.
- Make the frosting (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry jam until smooth. Adjust the milk for your preferred consistency. Frost the bars once they’ve cooled completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy these delicious strawberry cake bars with or without frosting!
Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Strawberry Cake Bars
While the optional frosting is delicious, you can get creative with other toppings! Try a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra sweetness or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry crumbs for a tangy twist. For a fresh touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a few sliced strawberries on top before serving.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These strawberry cake bars are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea. For a brunch-friendly option, serve them alongside a fruit salad or a mimosa for a sweet and refreshing combo.
How to Store and Reheat for Maximum Freshness
Store your cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that gooey texture. If you prefer a crispier edge, warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
Easy Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by using raspberry jam instead of strawberry or swapping the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips. For a nutty twist, fold in chopped almonds or pecans. You can even use a vanilla cake mix and add fresh strawberries for a lighter version.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before spreading it in the pan. You can also skip the frosting and simply dust the bars with powdered sugar for a quick, elegant finish.
Strawberry Cake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Bars
- 15.25 ounces Strawberry Cake Mix, 1 box
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray pan (either 8 x 11″ or 9 x 9″ pan) with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the cake mix, oil, and egg in a large bowl.
- Add the milk to the bowl slowly, you want the batter to remain as dense as possible.
- Fold in the strawberry jam and white chocolate chips.
- Dump batter in prepared pan and spread to the edges.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes (they will be a little soft/gooey in the middle- just let them sit for about 20-30 minutes and they will set up).
- To make frosting, combine all frosting ingredients together in a bowl and frost bars when cool. (frosting is optional because these taste amazing without frosting, but I am a serious frosting lover, so I added some and loved the way it turned out).