Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. With a buttery oatmeal crust, a sweet fruit filling, and a crumbly oat topping, these bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet & Fruity: Fresh strawberries or jam make these bars deliciously sweet.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Healthy-ish Treat: Made with oats and fruit for a wholesome snack.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a breakfast bar, snack, or light dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well and is great for meal prep!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Oatmeal Crust & Crumble:
- Old-fashioned oats
- All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh strawberries, diced (or strawberry jam)
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until berries soften.
- Stir in cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Crust & Crumble
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press ⅔ of the oat mixture firmly into the baking pan to form the crust.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy plain or with a dollop of whipped cream!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and flour.
- Extra Fruity: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries.
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with a simple lemon icing after cooling.
- Low-Sugar Option: Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw and drain before using to prevent excess moisture.
Can I use store-bought jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes! Use ½ cup of strawberry jam instead of homemade filling.
How do I make these bars extra crispy?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of butter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based sweetener.
What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean edges.
Can I add chocolate?
Absolutely! Sprinkle in chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Are these bars good for breakfast?
Yes! They’re made with oats and fruit, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time by 5-10 minutes.
How do I make them less crumbly?
Press the crust firmly into the pan and chill before slicing.
Conclusion
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are delicious, wholesome, and easy to make. With a buttery oat crust and a sweet strawberry filling, these bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Try them today and enjoy a simple homemade treat that’s bursting with fruity goodness!
Description
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor! Made with wholesome oats and a buttery crumb topping, they make a perfect breakfast, snack, or healthy dessert.
For the Oat Crust & Topping:
For the Strawberry Filling:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2️⃣ Make the Oat Crust
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly.
3️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- In a bowl, mix strawberries, honey (or maple syrup), cornstarch, and lemon juice.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bars
- Press ⅔ of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
5️⃣ Bake & Cool
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy warm or chilled, with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla yogurt!
Notes
🌰 Nutty Version? Add ½ cup chopped almonds or pecans to the topping.
🍫 Chocolate Twist? Mix in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips to the oat crust.
🥜 PB & J Style? Swirl in 2 tablespoons peanut butter with the strawberries.
🍏 Fruit Swap? Use blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples instead.
