Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a sweet and wholesome treat that combines the natural goodness of oats with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. These bars feature a buttery oatmeal crust and crumble topping, with a layer of fresh strawberries and a touch of jam nestled in between. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a midday snack, or even a light dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to please everyone. The oats provide a hearty texture that complements the softness of the strawberries, creating a delightful balance of flavor and crunch. With just the right amount of sweetness and a comforting homemade taste, Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a versatile and satisfying addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining mixture aside for the topping.
- Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly. Spread the strawberry jam over the crust in the baking dish, then spoon the fresh strawberry mixture over the jam, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top of the strawberries, covering them as evenly as possible.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
- Cool and Slice:
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars as is, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and versatile dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with the hearty texture of oats. Easy to make and perfect for any time of day, these bars are a delicious way to enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.
