Description
Sweet and wholesome Strawberry Oatmeal Bars bring Mediterranean sunshine to classic comfort baking. Layers of buttery oats and fresh strawberries create a delightful dessert perfect for summer afternoons and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (120 g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 0.5 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup (115 g) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Fruit and Thickening Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect environment for baking delectable strawberry oatmeal bars.
- Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by draping parchment paper across the surface, allowing slight overhang on two sides for easy removal, and apply a delicate layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Craft the foundational oat mixture by combining the dry ingredients, gently blending them to ensure uniform distribution of flavor and texture.
- Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a compact, even base that will cradle the luscious strawberry filling.
- Spread the vibrant strawberry mixture across the oat base, carefully distributing it to reach each corner and create a consistent fruity layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer, creating a rustic, crumbly topping that will transform into a golden, crisp surface during baking.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center sets with a gentle firmness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps them maintain structural integrity and develop deeper flavors.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch from the pan and slice into neat, uniform squares ready for serving.
Notes
- Swap fresh strawberries with frozen ones during off-season for consistent flavor and texture.
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance the strawberry’s natural sweetness and brighten the overall taste.
- Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blueberries for unique variations of this classic oatmeal bar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg