Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious blend of sweet strawberry filling and a buttery oatmeal crust. Perfect as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, they’re easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re using fresh or jammy strawberries, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
I first made these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars when I wanted a healthier sweet treat for my family. My husband loved the buttery crust, and my daughter couldn’t get enough of the fruity filling. Now, these bars are a staple in our home for quick snacks, lunchbox treats, or even as a simple dessert for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
•Wholesome and Delicious: Made with oats, strawberries, and a buttery base.
•Easy to Make: Simple steps with pantry staples.
•Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
•Customizable: Use fresh strawberries, jam, or even mix with other fruits.
Ingredients Notes For Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
•Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide texture; avoid instant oats for best results.
•Flour: All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
•Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the crust and crumble topping.
•Sweetener: Brown sugar for a caramel-like sweetness or coconut sugar as a natural alternative.
•Strawberries: Fresh or frozen, sliced, or substitute with strawberry jam.
•Optional Add-Ins: A splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Recipe Steps
1.Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2.Make the Crust and Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture for the topping.
3.Press the Crust: Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4.Prepare the Filling: Toss sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch (if using fresh strawberries). If using jam, spread it directly over the crust.
5.Assemble the Bars: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top.
6.Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7.Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
8.Serve and Enjoy: Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
Storage Options
•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
•Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
•Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
•Use mixed berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
•Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
•Add a drizzle of icing or powdered sugar for a sweeter finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan? Yes, use coconut oil or vegan butter and a plant-based sweetener.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries? Use frozen strawberries or strawberry jam as an easy substitute.
Can I make these gluten-free? Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of fruity, buttery, and wholesome flavors. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, they’re a simple and delightful treat everyone will love!
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust and Topping:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, toss the diced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
