Strawberry Shortbread Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 1/2 cups (187.5g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water

Filling:

• 1 quart (946ml) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup (237ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water while mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
7. While the shortbread is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
8. Once the shortbread is done baking, spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top.
9. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Spread the whipped cream over the strawberry filling.
11. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Buttery and flaky shortbread crust
• Sweet and juicy strawberry filling
• Creamy and light whipped cream topping
• Perfect for parties, picnics, or dessert gatherings

User Comments:

• "These Strawberry Shortbread Bars are the perfect summer treat. The shortbread is crispy and buttery, the strawberry filling is flavorful and juicy, and the whipped cream topping adds a touch of sweetness." - Jessica
• "I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's so easy to make, but the result is a delicious and impressive dessert." - Sarah
• "These bars are a hit at every party I bring them to. Everyone loves the combination of flavors and textures." - Emily

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the butter is cold before adding it to the flour mixture. This will help create flaky layers in the shortbread crust.
• Do not overwork the dough. If you do, the shortbread will be tough.
• Use ripe strawberries for the filling. This will ensure a sweeter and more flavorful filling.
• Refrigerate the bars for several hours or overnight before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the bars to set.