Frozen Strawberry Squares

Sweet and tangy, these Frozen Strawberry Squares are a refreshing summer treat that’s perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings.

A buttery crust, topped with fresh strawberries and a crunchy oat mixture, comes together in a sweet and satisfying dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
• 1 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.

Add the softened butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.

Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the baked crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Pour the egg mixture over the strawberries. Top with the remaining crumb mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.

Let the squares cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, use the parchment paper or foil to lift the squares out of the pan and cut them into 6 equal pieces.

Top each square with some chopped frozen strawberries and serve chilled.

Notes

To ensure the crust doesn’t become too brown, keep an eye on it while it’s baking and cover the edges with foil if necessary. Use fresh and flavorful strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

You can also use other berries like blueberries or raspberries if you prefer.

Don’t overmix the crumb mixture, or it’ll become tough. Stop mixing once the butter is just incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan to prevent them from falling apart.

Chopped frozen strawberries make a beautiful and delicious topping, but you can also use whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you prefer. You can prepare the crust and assemble the bars ahead of time, but wait to top with the chopped strawberries until just before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 37g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g