Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of juicy strawberries and hearty oats, coming together to create a delicious snack that doubles as a nutritious breakfast option.
These bars are perfect for those seeking a sweet treat without the guilt, offering a wholesome blend of flavors that can satisfy any palate.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and health-conscious.
The natural sweetness of the strawberries pairs beautifully with the texture of the oats, creating a snack that’s not just tasty but also fulfilling.
They’re incredibly versatile, serving as a quick breakfast, a convenient snack, or even a healthy dessert.
Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Choosing the Right Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Instant oats can become too mushy, while steel-cut oats won’t provide the right consistency.
- Strawberry Preparation: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Ensure they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Creating the Perfect Crust and Topping: The oat mixture doubles as both crust and crumble topping. For a firmer crust, press the mixture firmly into the pan. For a looser, crumblier topping, sprinkle it lightly.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake until the edges are golden brown to ensure the bars are fully set and easy to cut.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Fruit Varieties: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to mix in other berries or fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Options: Use plant-based butter and ensure your oats are certified vegan to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are delicious both warm and at room temperature.
Pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
For a lighter option, enjoy them with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different type of berry? Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries can also be used.
- How can I make the bars crisper? For a crisper texture, add a bit more butter to the oat mixture and bake a few minutes longer.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Enjoy a guilt-free treat with our Strawberry Oatmeal Bars recipe. Packed with juicy strawberries and heart-healthy oats, these bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a wholesome snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In another bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 17gProtein: 3g
