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Fresh, sweet strawberries and wholesome oats come together to craft these scrumptious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars! Featuring a buttery oatmeal crust with the perfect amount of crunch, a vibrant strawberry filling, and a crumble topping, these sweet treats are absolutely irresistible!
Easy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Calling all strawberry lovers! Here’s another reason to adore your favorite berry. Imagine biting into a sweet treat where the ripeness of strawberries meets the homestyle goodness of rolled oats, all wrapped up in a buttery, brown sugar embrace. These strawberry oatmeal bars are like a fruity and comforting wholesome hug.
But these berry bars are not only delicious, they are also quick and easy to make! With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time for half the cost of your favorite store-bought brand. Whether you’re seeking a delightful breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or a heartwarming dessert, this strawberry oatmeal bars recipe is your answer!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Quick and Easy! These bars are your shortcut to a yummy sweet treat. Their simple preparation means you can have a delightful snack or dessert ready in under an hour.
- Fresh Berry Bars! With each delicious bite, you’ll experience the irresistible natural fruity goodness of juicy and vibrant fresh strawberries cradled into a buttery oatmeal crust.
- Family Favorite! These bars are a go-to recipe! They can be served as an after-school treat, paired with morning coffee, or savored as a comforting dessert after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crust And Crumble
- All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the base of the crust along with the oats. You can also use whole wheat flour. However, if you are using gluten-free flour make sure it contains xanthan gum in it to bind the bars together.
- Rolled Oats: Adds a delightful chewiness and nutty flavor. You can also use quick oats but they won’t produce the same texture as old-fashioned oats.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the oats.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, which keeps the crust and crumble light and crispy.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and helps to balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the bars their rich buttery flavor. It’s best to use unsalted butter, but if it’s unavailable, omit the pinch of salt added to the crust.
Strawberry Filling
- Fresh Strawberries: The berry star ingredient! Fresh strawberries provide a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and texture to the strawberry filling.
- Cornstarch: Serves as a thickening agent for the filling. You can substitute it with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if needed.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice offers a citrusy kick that brightens up the bars. Lime juice is a suitable alternative for a tangy twist.
Just like my blueberry bars, these strawberry bars are an easy peasy baked good that you can make with just a handful of ingredients and some fresh berries. The recipe doesn’t demand any fancy skills, making it perfect for novice bakers!
Preheat The Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang to effortlessly lift the bars out after baking.
Make The Crust
First, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Then add the melted butter and stir everything together until well incorporated. The dry ingredients should be completely moistened.
Now, reserve 1 cup of the mixture and set it aside for the oatmeal crumble topping. Then pour the rest of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.
Make The Filling
Once you’ve formed the crust, toss the fresh strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together in a separate bowl.
Then spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Now, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberries.
Bake The Strawberry Oat Bars
Finally, slide your pan into the preheated oven and let the bars bake for 35 to 40 minutes. When ready, the crumble topping will be slightly golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbly.
Cool And Serve
Once baked, place the strawberry oatmeal bars on a wire rack and let them completely cool in the pan to room temperature. Then slice them into squares and serve!
Serving Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These scrumptious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a versatile delight! Serve them warm to savor the gooey texture, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. They make a great companion to a cup of tea or coffee, adding a sweet, fruity note to your relaxing break. And of course, they are just as delicious when enjoyed cool, offering a firm, chewy bite of layered goodness. Whether it’s breakfast, a mid-day snack, or dessert, these bars are sure to bring a burst of strawberry joy to your day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other berries?
Yes! You can experiment with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. But keep in mind that different berries may have varying levels of sweetness and moisture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but you want to thaw and drain them thoroughly because frozen strawberries will release too much moisture during baking. You may also want to consider adding an extra pinch of cornstarch to help maintain the desired texture.
Why did my bars fall apart?
First, you need to let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Rushing this step can cause them to crumble. Additionally, make sure you press the oatmeal crust firmly into the pan to create a solid base. Finally, if the strawberry filling is too runny, it can compromise the structure of the crust.
Expert Tips
- Choose ripe strawberries. The quality of your berries will significantly impact the flavor of the bars. It’s important to use fresh and vibrant sweet strawberries.
- Use parchment paper. Line your baking pan with parchment paper and leave plenty of overhang on the sides to act as handles. This makes it easy to lift the baked bars out of the pan and neatly slice them.
- Let them cool. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. This helps the strawberry oatmeal bars set and keeps them from falling apart.
- Serve with style. These bars are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
You can store any leftover strawberry oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them securely in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and allow them to thaw out at room temperature before serving.
Discover More Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Oatmeal Crust And Crumble
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter unsalted, melted
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour the melted butter into the bowl and mix until all the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Reserve 1 cup of the oatmeal mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the strawberries are well coated.
- Spread the strawberry mixture over the oatmeal base in the pan, distributing the strawberries evenly. Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture on top of the strawberries.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden and the strawberry juices are bubbling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Tips & Notes:
- Oats Substitution: If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can be a suitable substitute.
- Strawberry Alternative: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, feel free to use frozen ones; just ensure they are thawed and drained properly to avoid excess moisture.
- Vegan Option: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your sugar is vegan to make these bars suitable for those following a vegan diet.
- Storage Tip: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
