These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are perfect for using up all of those strawberries you have in the fridge. It combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the wholesome goodness of oats, look no further than these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars! It's just perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat after dinner.
An Easy Dessert Recipe
Sometimes you just want a dessert STAT! These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are super easy to throw together.
- The bottom and top "crust" of the oatmeal bars come together in a single bowl.
- This recipe calls for melted butter so you don't even need to wait for the butter to come to room temperature.
- Once you press your crust layer into the pan, scatter the filling over it and then sprinkle the oatmeal crumble on top! Boom pow!! Easy peasy!
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Ingredients
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provides a chewy texture and a wholesome base for the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives structure to the bars.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and adds a slight crunch.
- Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, giving it a light texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the strawberries.
- Unsalted Butter: The melted butter binds everything together and gives the crust and topping a rich flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and texture. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
- Properly Mix the Crust and Topping: Ensure the melted butter is evenly distributed in the oat mixture for a cohesive crust and crumbly topping.
- Press the Crust Firmly: When forming the crust in the baking pan, press it down firmly to ensure it holds together well after baking.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean squares.
- Parchment Paper Overhang: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan with overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting.
- Add a Touch of Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg in the crust and topping mixture can add an extra layer of warmth and depth to the flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Variations: Try using other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
- Add-Ins: You can add a handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the topping for extra texture and flavor.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you make these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Dessert Recipes page.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Crust and topping
- 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Fillig
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Crust & Toppings
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside.
Strawberry Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the strawberries are well
Assemble the Bars
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the strawberry filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
