Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars: The Perfect Healthy Snack Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats (not instant); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

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Strawberry Oatmeal Bars: Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of flavors and textures! Imagine biting into a chewy, golden-brown oat base, bursting with the sweet and tangy essence of fresh strawberries. These aren’t your average baked treat; they’re a delightful combination of wholesome goodness and irresistible indulgence.

Oatmeal bars, in their essence, are a testament to resourceful baking, transforming simple pantry staples into something truly special. While the exact origins are debated, variations of fruit-filled oat bars have been enjoyed for generations, particularly in regions where oats and berries are abundant. They represent a comforting, home-style treat that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

What makes Strawberry Oatmeal Bars so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance! The hearty, slightly nutty flavor of the oats complements the vibrant sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. The chewy texture provides a satisfying bite, while the juicy strawberries add a burst of freshness. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a light dessert, these bars are easy to make, portable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a taste of sunshine with every bite!

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Crumble:

2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

For the Strawberry Filling:

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice touch!)

Preparing the Crust and Crumble:

Okay, let’s get started with the base of our delicious bars! This part is super easy and comes together quickly. We’re essentially making a big batch of crumble topping, and then using most of it for the crust.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the baking soda works its magic and the bars rise properly.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Now, here’s where you have a couple of options. You can use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can use your fingers! Just rub the butter into the flour mixture, breaking it down as you go. The key is to work quickly so the butter stays cold. You can also use a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process!
Divide the Mixture: Press about 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper. I prefer parchment paper because it makes removing the bars later a breeze! Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. This will be our crust, so make sure it’s nice and compact.
Set Aside Remaining Crumble: The remaining 1/3 of the oat mixture will be used as the crumble topping, so set it aside for now. You can keep it in the bowl you mixed it in.

Making the Strawberry Filling:

Now for the star of the show the strawberry filling! This is where all that fresh, summery flavor comes from. Don’t be tempted to skip the cornstarch; it’s essential for thickening the filling and preventing it from becoming too runny.

Prepare the Strawberries: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together until the strawberries are evenly coated. The sugar will help draw out the juices from the strawberries, creating a lovely, syrupy sauce.
Add Almond Extract (Optional): If you’re using almond extract, add it to the strawberry mixture now and stir to combine. A little bit of almond extract really enhances the strawberry flavor, but it’s totally optional if you’re not a fan.

Assembling and Baking:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and bake these beauties until they’re golden brown and bubbly.

Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the strawberry filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Make sure the strawberries are spread out in a single layer.
Sprinkle with Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture (the crumble topping) evenly over the strawberry filling. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible so that every bite has a little bit of that delicious crumble.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust and crumble topping are golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too dark, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
Cool Completely: This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents the bars from falling apart. I know it’s tempting to dig in while they’re still warm, but trust me, they’re worth the wait! Cooling them in the refrigerator will speed up the process.
Cut and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. I usually get about 16 bars from a 9×13 inch pan. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast (don’t judge!). They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize these bars to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

Other Berries: Feel free to substitute other berries for the strawberries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can even use a combination of berries!
Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla extract or lemon extract, to add a unique flavor to the filling.
Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well.
Vegan: To make these bars vegan, use a vegan butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly (some granulated sugar is processed using bone char).
Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled bars. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and a little bit of milk or lemon juice until smooth.

Storage Instructions:

These strawberry oatmeal bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are truly a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, wholesome, and incredibly easy treat. From the satisfyingly chewy oat base to the burst of sweet and tangy strawberry filling, every bite is a little piece of sunshine. I know I’ve already made three batches this week alone, and they disappear faster than I can bake them!

What makes these bars so special, in my opinion, is their versatility. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a light dessert after dinner. Plus, they’re packed with fiber from the oats, making them a much healthier option than many other sweet treats. But don’t let the “healthy” part fool you these bars are seriously delicious!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of strawberries (though I can’t imagine why!), you can easily substitute them with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You could even use a combination of different berries for a mixed berry bar. For a more tropical twist, try using mango or pineapple. And if you’re a chocolate lover, you could add some chocolate chips to the oat base or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bars. The key is to experiment and find what you love!

Another great variation is to add some chopped nuts to the oat base for extra crunch and flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all work beautifully. You could also add some seeds like chia seeds or flax seeds for an extra boost of nutrients. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free oats.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars as much as I do. They’re so easy to make, even a beginner baker can whip them up in no time. And the best part is, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them to your family, friends, or coworkers, they’re sure to be a hit.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking! I promise you won’t regret it. And once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What did you think of the recipe? Share your photos and comments below I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking!

Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the love for these amazing Strawberry Oatmeal Bars far and wide!