Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of tender oats and sweet, juicy strawberries. Perfect as a snack or a light dessert, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed plain or with a touch of peanut butter. Their wholesome ingredients make them a tasty treat you can feel good about.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quick oats or rolled oats (150g)
• 2/3 cup flour (spelt, white, or oat) (80g)
• 1/2 cup sugar or xylitol (100g)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup oil or butter, melted (100g)
• 2 1/2 cups diced strawberries (300g)
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot (7g)
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice (15g)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Stir in the oil or melted butter until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: Firmly press about two-thirds of this oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the diced strawberries with the cornstarch and maple syrup until well combined.
5. Step 5: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the pressed oat base in the pan.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining oat dough evenly on top of the strawberry filling, then press down firmly once more to create a compact layer.
7. Step 7: Bake on the center rack for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and set.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled, which helps them firm up nicely. Serve plain, or drizzle with peanut butter or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available; just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing.
• For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture before pressing into the pan.
• Swap maple syrup with honey or agave for a different flavor profile.
• To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour alternatives.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They firm up well when chilled, making them easy to slice and serve cold or at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder as a direct substitute for cornstarch in the recipe to help thicken the strawberry filling.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 256 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and wholesome strawberry oatmeal bars featuring a buttery oat crust and a sweet, tangy strawberry filling. Perfect as a healthy snack or dessert, these bars combine simple ingredients like oats, flour, and fresh strawberries baked to golden perfection and chilled for a firm, satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quick oats or rolled oats (150g)
• 2/3 cup flour (spelt, white, or oat) (80g)
• 1/2 cup sugar or xylitol (100g)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup oil or melted butter (100g)
• 2 1/2 cups diced strawberries (300g)
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (7g)
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice (15g)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir these together so they are evenly mixed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients to Dough: Stir in the oil or melted butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve about one-third of this dough for the topping.
4. Press Dough Base: Firmly press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
5. Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a separate medium bowl, mix the diced strawberries with cornstarch and maple syrup. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling while baking.
6. Assemble Bars: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Then sprinkle the reserved dough over the filling and press down firmly to form the top layer.
7. Bake: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate them until well chilled and firm, which helps the bars set properly.
9. Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy plain, or optionally drizzle with peanut butter or dust with powdered sugar for extra flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute xylitol for sugar to reduce the glycemic index.
• Using melted butter instead of oil will give a richer flavor but add some saturated fat.
• Chilling the bars before serving is essential for the best texture and easier slicing.
• For gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats and flour such as oat or rice flour.
• These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry oatmeal bars, healthy dessert, baked oatmeal bars, fruit bars, quick oats recipe, vegan dessert option