Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat combining the wholesome texture of oats with the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries. Perfect for a snack or a simple dessert, these bars are easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- ½ cup coconut oil or butter, melted
- ½ cup sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine oats, flour, melted coconut oil or butter, and half of the sweetener. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Step 2: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the base layer.
- Step 3: Spread the chopped strawberries over the oat base, then sprinkle the remaining sweetener on top of the fruit.
- Step 4: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the strawberry layer to form the topping.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable; just thaw and drain excess liquid before layering.
- For a nutty flavor, add chopped almonds or walnuts to the oat mixture.
- Swap the coconut oil with butter for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the oat mixture for extra aroma.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy cold as a quick snack.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or chopped peaches. Adjust the sweetener based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Is it necessary to use flour in the oat mixture?
The flour helps bind the oat mixture together and gives structure to the bars, but you can use gluten-free flour or oat flour if preferred for dietary needs.
PrintStrawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Delicious and wholesome Strawberry Oatmeal Bars featuring a buttery oat crust and topping with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling. These bars offer a perfect balance of chewy oats and fresh fruit, making them an excellent snack or breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars (3×3-inch squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Oat Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup sweetener (such as brown sugar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (adjust based on strawberry sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, melted coconut oil or butter, and the specified sweetener. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press Bottom Layer: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking pan (approximately 8×8 inches), creating a solid base layer.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with 1-2 tablespoons of sweetener to enhance the natural sweetness and allow to macerate slightly for 5-10 minutes.
- Add Strawberry Layer: Spread the sweetened strawberries evenly over the pressed oat base, distributing the fruit layer carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Top with Remaining Oats: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the oat mixture evenly over the strawberry layer, gently pressing it down so it adheres but remains crumbly.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the oat topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps the bars set and prevents crumbling.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- You can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- Adjust sweetener quantities based on your preferred sweetness and strawberry ripeness.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To add texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or seeds into the oat mixture.
Keywords: Strawberry oatmeal bars, oat bars, healthy snack, baked strawberry dessert, breakfast bars
