Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory, thanks to the fresh strawberries and hearty oats. They’re not overly sweet, making them a great snack for those who want something a little lighter but still full of flavor. The buttery oat crumble top adds a satisfying texture, and the homemade berry filling takes the bars to the next level with its burst of natural sweetness. Whether you eat them on-the-go or as a post-workout snack, they are the ideal healthy treat.

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 (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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and sugar.

3. Add the oil or melted butter to the oat mixture and stir until combined.

4. Firmly press 2/3 of the dough into the prepared baking pan.

5. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, cornstarch, and maple syrup. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated.

6. Spread the strawberry mixture over the dough in the pan.

7. Crumble the remaining dough and sprinkle it on top of the berry filling, pressing down firmly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

9. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled to help them firm up before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 16 bars

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy butter.

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the oat mixture.

• Other Fruits: If you’re not a fan of strawberries, try substituting them with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry blend.

• Sweeteners: You can adjust the sweetness by using honey or agave syrup in place of maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your strawberry oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

• Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, simply heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

2. Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for quick oats. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but it will still work perfectly.

3. Can I substitute butter for oil in this recipe?

Yes, you can use butter in place of oil for a richer flavor.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

5. What’s the best way to store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

6. How can I make these bars less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to control the sweetness level.

7. Can I use a different sweetener like honey or agave syrup?

Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or any sweetener of your choice.

8. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the oat mixture for a fun twist.

10. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use spelt, oat, or even almond flour as a substitute for regular flour.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of fresh strawberries, oats, and a buttery crumble, making them a healthy and satisfying snack. They are simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat or a midday pick-me-up, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.