Sweet and Tangy Strawberry Squares

Name: Sweet and Tangy Strawberry Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

I love making these Sweet and Tangy Strawberry Squares during the warm months when strawberries are at their peak. The combination of sweetness from the ripe strawberries and a hint of tanginess from a splash of lemon juice creates a delightful balance that's hard to resist. As we gather with friends and family, these bars quickly become a highlight, and I enjoy serving them chilled for a refreshing treat. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-02-05T18:17:30.846Z

When creating these Strawberry Squares, I experimented with various fruit combinations. While strawberry and lemon were my favorites, I found that the lemon zest truly enhances the flavor by adding a refreshing bright note. I recommend using fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen ones can work just as well in a pinch. This made me realize just how much small adjustments can elevate a recipe!

One afternoon, I even tried adding a hint of basil, which kicked the freshness up a notch. The outcome was a delightful surprise that we loved. Now, my family requests these bars all summer long. Don’t be afraid to try your own variations!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess that’s incredibly refreshing.
A crunchy, buttery crust that holds the creamy filling deliciously.
Easily adaptable – swap strawberries for your favorite berries!

The Role of Strawberries

Strawberries are the star of this dessert, providing both flavor and texture. Fresh, ripe strawberries bring a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the tanginess of lemon. When selecting strawberries, look for vibrant red color and firm texture, avoiding any that are bruised or mushy. This ensures the filling not only tastes great but also has the right consistency when baked.

To highlight the strawberries’ flavor, slice them evenly to allow for uniform cooking. As they bake, the juices will mix with the sugar and cornstarch, creating a luxurious, bubbly filling. If you're short on fresh strawberries, you can substitute with frozen ones; just ensure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in your filling.

Perfecting the Crust

The crust of these strawberry squares is key to achieving a delightful texture contrast with the creamy filling. Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the salt content and enhances the buttery flavor of the crust. Be sure to cream the butter with sugar until it's light and fluffy before mixing in the flour and salt; this adds air, making the crust tender yet crunchy.

Press the crust firmly into the baking dish to avoid a crumbly texture after baking. You want it to hold together well, providing a sturdy base for the filling. If the edges begin to brown too quickly while baking, you can lightly cover them with foil to prevent burning while the rest continues to cook.

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla. Stir until well mixed.

Bake the Squares

Pour the strawberry mixture over the baked crust. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Serve

Allow to cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try using a mix of berries instead of just strawberries. Adjust the sugar according to your fruit's sweetness!

Storing and Freezing

These Sweet and Tangy Strawberry Squares are perfect for make-ahead desserts. Once baked and cooled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, maintaining their flavor and texture. Just ensure they are covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

If you're looking to prepare these squares further in advance, you can freeze them. After cutting into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

Chilled strawberry squares are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, making them perfect for gatherings.

For a more dramatic dessert, consider drizzling a light lemon glaze over the squares just before serving. Mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you reach a drizzle-able consistency. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the tangy notes of the filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but ensure they are thawed and drained properly before using.

→ How should I store these strawberry squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance; just keep them refrigerated until serving.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use honey or a sugar substitute, adjusting the amounts based on sweetness preference.