Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of fruity sweetness and hearty texture. With a buttery oat crust and a luscious strawberry filling, these bars are ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or a simple dessert. Easy to make and great for meal prepping, they offer a wholesome twist on traditional dessert bars, all while satisfying your sweet tooth.

ingredients

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

rolled oatspurpose flourbrown sugarunsalted buttervanilla extractbaking soda saltfresh or strawberry preserveslemon juice cornstarch

directions

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

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

Melt the butter and stir it into the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed.

Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

In a separate bowl, mix fresh strawberries (or preserves) with lemon juice and cornstarch until well combined.

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberry layer, gently pressing it down.

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 bars.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30–35 minutesCooling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use mixed berries instead of strawberries for a different flavor combo.

Add a handful of chopped nuts to the crust for extra crunch.

Substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Drizzle with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.

Make it vegan by using plant-based butter.

storage/reheating

Store Strawberry Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.To reheat, warm briefly in a microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before mixing with lemon juice and cornstarch.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Only if storing for more than 3 days or if your home is particularly warm.

Can I add chia seeds to the filling?

Yes, chia seeds can help thicken the filling and add nutritional value.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely—just use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Why is my crust crumbly?

Make sure to press it down firmly and use enough melted butter to bind it together.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute with a little orange juice or skip it if needed.

Can I use quick oats?

Yes, but the texture will be a bit softer than with rolled oats.

Are these good for breakfast?

Definitely! They’re hearty enough to be a satisfying morning option.

Conclusion

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars offer a delicious way to enjoy fruity, buttery goodness in a convenient and portable form. Perfect for any time of day, they strike the right balance between indulgent and wholesome. Give them a try and enjoy a treat that’s as simple as it is satisfying.