As the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some spring dessert bars that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, hosting a springtime party, or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, these easy-to-make dessert bars will satisfy your cravings for something deliciously sweet.
1. Introduction
Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to celebrate the season than with some fresh and tasty dessert bars? In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite spring dessert bar recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From lemon bars to strawberry shortcake bars, these recipes are sure to please. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
2. Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a classic dessert that’s perfect for spring. The tangy and sweet flavors of the lemon filling pair perfectly with the buttery shortbread crust. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and return the dish to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
3. Strawberry Shortcake Bars
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for spring, and these bars give you all the delicious flavors of the original in an easy-to-make bar form. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, and mix until a dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, reserving the remaining third for the topping.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Spread the strawberry mixture over the dough in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the strawberry mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
4. Blueberry Streusel Bars
Blueberries are in season in the spring, and these streusel bars are a delicious way to enjoy them. The crumbly streusel topping and the sweet blueberry filling make these bars a true delight. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg and mix until a dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, reserving the remaining third for the topping.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and flour until well combined.
- Spread the blueberry mixture over the dough in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the remaining dough, chilled butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the blueberry mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies? These cookie bars are a simple and easy-to-make version of the classic cookie that’s perfect for spring. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Conclusion
These spring dessert bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests. From fruity to chocolatey, there’s a flavor for everyone. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing.
In summary, we’ve shared six delicious and easy-to-make spring dessert bar recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet treat, or just want to enjoy the flavors of spring, these dessert bars are sure to please. So why not give them a try and see which one becomes your new favorite?
7. FAQs
- Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit in these recipes?
- Yes, you can use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit in these recipes. Just make sure to thaw the fruit and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.
- Can I use a different type of nut in the streusel topping?
- Yes, you can use a different type of nut in the streusel topping. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter in these recipes?
- While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in baking, it may change the texture and taste of the dessert bars. We recommend using butter for the best results.
- Can I add more chocolate chips to the cookie bar recipe?
- Yes, you can add more chocolate chips to the cookie bar recipe if you prefer a more chocolatey taste. However, be careful not to overload the batter as this can affect the texture of the bars.
- Can these dessert bars be frozen?
- Yes, these dessert bars can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.