Name: Strawberry Chocolate Dessert Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; Optional: 8 oz cream cheese for cheesecake layer; Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These dessert bars are as delicious as they are visually stunning. The combination of sweet, slightly tart strawberries and smooth chocolate makes each bite indulgent without being overwhelming. They’re easy to prepare ahead, easy to slice, and easy to love—ideal for potlucks, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter
Salt
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries (sliced)
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Baking powder
Optional: cream cheese for a cheesecake-style layer
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture is crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in baking powder and remaining crumb mixture to form a soft dough.
Layer sliced strawberries evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the strawberries.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top, leaving some strawberries and chocolate exposed.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.
Allow to cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 bars.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Add a cream cheese layer between the crust and strawberries for a cheesecake-style bar.
Use raspberry or cherry instead of strawberries for a different fruit flavor.
Try white chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for contrast.
Mix chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) into the topping for added crunch.
For extra richness, stir a little cocoa powder into the crust mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
These bars can also be frozen—wrap individually and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

Do I need to peel the strawberries?

No, just wash, hull, and slice them thinly for even layering.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

You can use a pre-made shortbread crust to save time, but the homemade version adds great flavor.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal, but you can also chop a chocolate bar for bigger chunks.

Can I add a cream cheese layer?

Yes, blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then spread over the crust before adding the strawberries.

How do I keep the bars from being soggy?

Don’t overload with fruit, and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to help the crust firm up.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free.

Can I use jam instead of fresh fruit?

Yes, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam if fresh strawberries aren’t available, but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid excessive sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—use a larger sheet pan or two baking dishes to accommodate the extra volume.

Should I refrigerate these bars?

If not serving within a day or two, it’s best to refrigerate them, especially if a cream cheese layer is used.

Conclusion

Strawberry Chocolate Dessert Bars offer the perfect marriage of rich and fruity flavors in a simple, elegant format. With their soft crust, sweet-tart berries, and indulgent chocolate topping, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, they’re a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.