Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe

I just discovered a way to transform fresh strawberries into the ultimate dessert that’s part crumble, part bliss – and your taste buds are going to thank me for this one. 🍓✨

I love combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. These Strawberry Oat Bars are a delightful treat that balances taste and nutrition.

With the richness of unsalted butter and a hint of vanilla, each bite offers a deliciously satisfying experience perfect for any occasion.

Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and is a key source of carbohydrates.
• Old-fashioned oats: Adds fiber, texture, and a hearty, nutty flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Sweetens and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Brings rich flavor and acts as a binding agent.
• Fresh strawberries: Bursts of natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang and naturally enhances flavors.

Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.

4. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture, and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.

5. In another bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated.

6. Spread the strawberry mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading evenly.

7. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the strawberry layer.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling.

9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.

10. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan, cut into squares and serve.

Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8-inch square baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowl (2)
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Wire rack

FAQ

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure they are thawed and well-drained before using them in the recipe.
• Is there a substitute for cornstarch? You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca flour to thicken the strawberry filling.
• What if I want to make these bars gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• How do I store these strawberry oat bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Can I add nuts to this recipe? Yes, feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the oat mixture for extra crunch.
• How do I make the bars vegan? Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and ensure the sugar is vegan as well.
• What other fruits work well in this recipe? You can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or chopped peaches.

Strawberry Oat Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• 1 cup whole wheat flour for 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick oats for 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup coconut sugar for 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted, for 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, thawed and drained, for 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Crust for Extra Crunch After pressing the crust mixture into the pan, place it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This will help firm up the butter, making the crust slightly crisper after baking.

2. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries For the best flavor, use strawberries that are ripe but not overripe. They should be firm and fragrant, which will enhance the sweetness and texture of your bars.

3. Enhance Flavor with a Spice Add a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of nutmeg to the crumb mixture for a subtle spice that complements the strawberries.

4. Check Thickness of Oats Use old-fashioned oats as specified, rather than quick oats, for a chewier texture. If you only have quick oats, consider reducing the amount slightly to maintain texture.

5. Let Rest Overnight If time allows, let the bars rest overnight before cutting. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes for cleaner slices. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.