Gluten-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars

Celebrate National Strawberry Month with Gluten-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars!

It's National Strawberry Month, and what better way to celebrate than with these delicious strawberry cream cheese shortbread bars! Made with a gluten-free crust, these bars are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the taste of spring without sacrificing dietary restrictions. But wait, there's more! Strawberries also have health benefits (read below for details!). 

The Wonderful World of Strawberries: A Burst of Flavor and Health

With Spring in the air, strawberries are in season. So, run to the store to pick up all things strawberry, but first, let's look into why strawberries should be a part of your diet. These vibrant red gems are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants:

• Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, meaning your body cannot produce it independently, so you must consume it through your diet. This vitamin plays an important role in our immune health, helping us fight colds and viruses. In rare cases, when someone does not consume enough vitamin C in their diet, they are at risk for Scurvy. Scurvy can lead to bleeding gums, loosened teeth, and bleeding under the skin.
• Fiber is important for our gut flora, and research has shown that a diet high in fiber reduces one’s risk of developing colon cancer in one's lifetime. 
• Antioxidants are molecules that help protect the body from free radicals, which can damage our cells and, in turn, increase the risk of cancer. Did you know antioxidants also give fruits and vegetables their bright pigment? For strawberries, the red color comes from the antioxidant Anthocyanin. 

Choosing the Perfect Gluten-Free Flour for Your Bars

Here are some things to consider when selecting a gluten-free flour:

• Binding: Gluten is what gives dough elasticity and chewiness in regular flour. Many gluten-free flours require additional ingredients to achieve a similar texture. Xanthan gum is a common binding agent used in gluten-free baking. Even though this is considered safe for a Low FODMAP diet, everyone is individual regarding how much fermentable fiber they can tolerate. 
• Texture and Flavor: Different gluten-free flours have distinct textures and flavors that can impact your recipe. For instance, flour made from nuts or chickpeas may taste stronger. Coconut flour is lighter and airier, perfect for muffins, while almond flour is denser and ideal for cookies. Almond flour is high in galacto-oligosaccharides and may not be a choice if this FODMAP triggers symptoms. The downside of coconut flour is its absorbent nature. It should not be used as a 1:1 wheat flour replacement in baking, and the recipe will need to be adjusted for the fluids in the recipe. Coconut flour is high in FODMAPs and is not a recommended alternative for someone following a Low FODMAP diet. 

Considering these factors, you can choose the best gluten-free flour for your baking project! Krustez Gluten Free Flour made a perfectly dense and crumbly bar for this baking recipe to make everyone happy at the picnic. 

Crafting the Strawberry Filling: Convenience Meets Flavor

This strawberry filling was made conveniently using strawberry preserves mixed with creamy cream cheese. However, if store-bought preserves are unavailable or not a preferred method, consider making a strawberry compote. Making your own strawberry compote is easy! Simply cut up fresh strawberries and simmer them for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add your favorite sweetener to the strawberries as they cook down. 

Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Strawberry Bars

• If strawberries are not your favorite berries, consider swapping them for a different type of berry for the topping (e.g., blueberries, raspberries).
• Consider drizzling the cooled bars with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.

Conclusion: Embrace the Season with Gluten-Free Strawberry Delights!

Celebrate the season, enjoy the health benefits of strawberries, and indulge in these delightful gluten-free strawberry cream cheese shortbread bars. They're perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a delightful springtime treat!

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1. _{Lopes da Silva, F., Escribano-Bailón, M. T., Pérez Alonso, J. J., Rivas-Gonzalo, J. C., & Santos-Buelga, C. (2007). Anthocyanin pigments in strawberry. LWT - Food Science and Technology, 40(2), 374-382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2005.09.018} 
2. _{Scurvy: Symptoms, causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 20). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24318-scurvy} 
3. _{So, D. (2018, February 5). More than fodmaps: Fermentable Fibres & IBS. Fermentable fibres and IBS - Monash Fodmap. https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/more-fodmaps-fermentable-fibres-ibs/} 
4. _{Thanikachalam, K., & Khan, G. (2019). Colorectal Cancer and Nutrition. Nutrients, 11(1), 164. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010164}