Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional for halal: 1 cup coconut oil (replace butter)
Optional for vegan: 1/2 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (replace buttermilk)
Optional for halal/vegan frosting: 1 can full-fat coconut milk, 1 tsp cardamom
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Mix 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl
Cut in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly (this will form the base layer)
Press half the dough into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish
Bake for 15 minutes
Meanwhile, mix remaining flour, 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp vanilla
Add 1/2 cup buttermilk (or alternative) to form a soft dough
Pat dough over partially baked base and smooth evenly
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden
Let cool slightly before assembling
In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Cook over medium heat until thickened (5-7 minutes), then spread over cooled base
For frosting, whip shortening and powdered sugar with vanilla until fluffy
Spread frosting in a thin layer over strawberries
Notes
For halal version, use crème de baies instead of cream in frosting or opt for coconut milk/cream alternatives
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with oat milk + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, store at room temp in airtight container for 2 days
For clean cuts, warm a chef’s knife briefly in hot water between slices
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg