Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Strawberry Shortbread Bars (Small Batch)

These Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Strawberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust with a creamy vanilla layer, all topped with fresh, juicy strawberries.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy vanilla layer creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

• Health-Conscious: Using monk fruit sweetener or cane sugar, along with gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients, makes this recipe suitable for various dietary needs.

• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

• Small Batch: Ideal for those who want a treat without leftovers, this small batch recipe allows you to indulge without overdoing it.

• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness by substituting with stevia or adding your favorite extracts for a unique twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/2 cup dairy-free butter (e.g. Miyoko’s, Earth Balance)

• 1/2 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener or cane sugar

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1)

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

Optional: 1/2 tsp lemon zest or 1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a small baking dish (around 8x8 or smaller).

2. Make the shortbread crust: In a bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sweetener, and 1/4 cup dairy-free butter until crumbly.

3. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden. Let cool completely.

4. Make the creamy vanilla layer: Beat together remaining 1/4 cup dairy-free butter, 1/4 cup sweetener, egg, vanilla, baking powder, and optional zest/extract until smooth.

5. Spread the creamy mixture over the cooled shortbread base.

6. Bake again for 18–22 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Cool completely.

7. Top with sliced strawberries, arranged evenly over the surface.

8. Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours until firm.

9. Slice into bars and serve cold.

Helpful Tips:

• Choose the Right Flour: Opt for a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to ensure the best texture.

• Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation. You can also mix in other berries for a variety.

• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the bars helps them set properly and enhances the flavors, making them even more enjoyable.

• Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.