Imagine biting into a heavenly dessert that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors - welcome to the world of Amish Sour Cream Strawberry Bars! These delectable treats are not just a dessert; they're a culinary journey that transports you to the rustic kitchens of Amish country. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a luscious strawberry-studded sour cream filling, these bars are about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking for something extraordinary, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone at your next gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Add 1/2 cup of softened butter to the flour and sugar mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Make sure it is packed down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Gently fold in the 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries into the sour cream mixture. Be careful not to mash the strawberries; you want to keep them intact for texture.
- Pour the strawberry and sour cream filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to ensure all areas are covered.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up before cutting.
- Once chilled, dust the top of the bars with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for a decorative touch. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your delicious Amish Sour Cream Strawberry Bars!
Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and best texture. If fresh aren't available, high-quality frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) can work as a substitute.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when creating the crust. This ensures the perfect crumbly texture.
- When pressing the crust into the pan, use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even, compact layer.
- Be gentle when folding strawberries into the sour cream mixture to maintain their shape and prevent bruising.
- Allow the bars to cool completely and chill for at least an hour before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more precise slices.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves before serving.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
