STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS RECIPE

I've been looking for a recipe for Strawberry Shortcake for awhile.  I think with Strawberry Shortcake Bars I don't have to look any farther.  Just because it's not the traditional type of Strawberry Shortcake, doesn't bother me.  It's made of moist cake, and scrumptious strawberry crumple on top. It's definitely a keeper!



Ingredients:

VANILLA BARS:

1 box vanilla cake mix

2 large eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

STRAWBERRY VANILLA CRUMBLE:

1 (3 oz.) package strawberry gelatin mix, dry
1 (3 oz.) package vanilla INSTANT pudding mix, dry
1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
1 cup all purpose flour, divided
COOL WHIP FROSTING:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon  vanilla extract
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed



Directions:

PRE-STEP: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line 9x9 cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

STEP 1: In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, mix together the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined and dough forms.

STEP 2: Press dough evenly into prepared pan using a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Let cool completely before frosting.


MAKE CRUMBLE:

STEP 3: In a small bowl combine the strawberry gelatin mix, 4 Tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup flour. Using a fork to mix ingredients together until crumble forms. In another small bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix, 4 Tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup flour. Using a fork to mix ingredients together until crumble forms.

STEP 4: Spread both the strawberry and vanilla crumble on to a lined cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Bake at 350F degrees for 10 minutes. *Check crumble at 5 minutes, stirring so that the crumble doesn't burn. Place pan in freezer for 10 minutes to cool down the crumble quickly to sprinkle on top of bars.


MAKE FROSTING:

STEP 5: In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and Cool Whip blending on high until frosting is light and fluffy.

STEP 5: Frost top of cooled bars and sprinkle a generous amount crumble on top. Cut into squares and enjoy!


Note: These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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Source (credit):http://deliciouslysprinkled.com/strawberry-shortcake-bars/
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BARS