Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars – A Tasty and Nutritious Snack

Craving something sweet yet wholesome? These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a perfect blend of chewy oats and fruity strawberry goodness, making them ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. 

With a buttery oat crust, a luscious strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Let’s get baking!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

  1. Simple Ingredients
    Made with pantry staples and fresh or frozen strawberries, these bars are easy to prepare anytime.
  2. Versatile Snack
    Enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast, pack them for school lunches, or serve them as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
  3. Naturally Sweetened Option
    Use honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar for a healthier twist.
  4. Kid-Friendly
    These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to their sweet and chewy texture.

Ingredients for Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

For the Crust and Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

How To Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
How To Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
  1. Preheat Your Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the Crust and Topping
    In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Assemble the Crust
    Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining third for the topping.
  4. Make the Strawberry Filling
    In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, lemon juice, sugar (or alternative sweetener), and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Layer the Bars
    Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top for a crumbly finish.
  6. Bake
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Cool and Slice
    Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

  • Chill for Cleaner Slices: If you want clean, neat squares, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.
  • Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh—no need to thaw them before cooking the filling.
  • Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch and nutrition, mix chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds into the topping.
  • Swap the Fruit: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for variety.

How to Serve

  • Breakfast: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a wholesome start to your day.
  • Snack: Enjoy a square on its own for a satisfying mid-day energy boost.
  • Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Based on 12 Bars)

  • Calories: ~210
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient substitutions.


Storage and Freezing

  1. Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  2. Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week for maximum freshness.
  3. Freezing: Place cooled bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Conclusion

Strawberry oatmeal bars are everything you could want in a snack: sweet, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or chilled straight from the fridge, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Did you stick with strawberries or experiment with other fruits? I’d love to hear your variations.

For more fruity treats, check out our recipes for Peach Crumble Bars or Blueberry Muffins.

Happy baking! 🍓


FAQ

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, or reduce the amount to suit your taste.

3. What other fruits can I use?
These bars work wonderfully with almost any fruit. Try peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of fruits for a unique flavor.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful bars! 😊

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