Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars that takes me back to my childhood. I vividly remember the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen as my mom baked these delightful treats. Each bite is a perfect blend of nutty oats and juicy strawberries, making them ideal for breakfast or a midday snack. Whenever I make these bars, I’m flooded with memories of summer picnics and family gatherings, where everyone rushed to grab a square. It’s amazing how food can bring us together and evoke such joy. These bars are not just a recipe; they’re a way to share love and happiness with those around us. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a homemade treat, the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars will always be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!

What Goes Into Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Creating the perfect Strawberry Oatmeal Bars requires a harmonious blend of ingredients that work together beautifully. The key players include fresh strawberries, which provide natural sweetness, and rolled oats, lending a hearty texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving a balance of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

• 4 cups whole strawberries, washed, hulled, and diced – These juicy gems are the star of the show, bringing a burst of flavor and freshness.
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar – This sweetener enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balances the tartness.
• Juice from half of a lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoons) – A touch of acidity from the lemon juice brightens the flavors and complements the strawberries.
• ⅓ cup corn starch – This ingredient helps to thicken the strawberry filling, giving it a delightful texture.
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats – A wholesome base that adds fiber and a chewy texture to the bars.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the bars, creating a satisfying crumb.
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar – Additional sweetness for the oat mixture, ensuring every bite is deliciously sweet.
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature – Essential for richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a lovely aromatic flavor to the bars.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Making Strawberry Oatmeal Bars is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of deliciousness. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip these up!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick spray to ensure your bars come out easily. This is an important step to avoid any sticky situations!

2. In a large bowl, combine the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, which will create a lovely filling.

3. After 10 minutes, add the lemon juice and corn starch to the strawberries. Stir to combine well. You should see the strawberries beginning to take on a lovely, syrupy consistency.

4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the rolled oats, flour, the second portion of granulated sugar, cinnamon, butter, salt, and vanilla. Start on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal. This texture is crucial for creating that delicious crumbly topping.

5. Now, press about 2/3 of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form the base of your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. Make sure it’s even!

6. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Make sure you cover the entire surface for a uniform flavor.

7. Take the remaining crust mixture and sprinkle it over the top of the strawberry filling. Squeeze some of the mixture into clumps to create a crumb-like topping, adding texture and visual appeal.

8. Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A delicious smell should fill your kitchen!

9. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial; cutting while warm can lead to messy bars!

Making Adjustments

Making adjustments to your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars can elevate the recipe or adapt it to your taste. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this delicious treat.

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They may also be frozen for longer storage—simply wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Cut them into squares, wrap them individually, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
• Pairing: Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair well with yogurt for a wholesome breakfast.
• Variations: Feel free to swap strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist. You could also add nuts for extra crunch.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar depending on your sweetness preference or the ripeness of the fruit.

Perfect Matches for Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

When it comes to serving the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, the options are endless. Here are some great ideas to enhance your experience:

• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a square of these bars with your morning coffee or tea. They make for a delightful breakfast option.
• Picnic Snack: Pack these bars for a picnic. They’re easy to transport and a hit among both kids and adults.
• Sweet Ending: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert after dinner.
• Holiday Dessert: These bars can be a festive addition to your holiday table, showcasing the beautiful colors of fresh strawberries.
• Lunchbox Goodies: Cut them into smaller squares and place them in lunchboxes. Kids love them!
• Seasonal Treat: Enjoy these bars in the spring when strawberries are in season for the best flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Oatmeal Bars stand out for their delicious blend of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly delightful treat. I encourage you to give this easy recipe a try; it’s certain to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to make extra to share with friends, as they will surely ask for the recipe!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Craving something sweet and wholesome? These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are your answer! Bursting with juicy strawberries and a hearty oat crust, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these bars will quickly become a family favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 20 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups whole strawberries washed, hulled and diced
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons Juice from half of a lemon about
• ⅓ cup corn starch
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• Nordic Ware Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan
• KitchenAid stand mixer

Method

 

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick spray to ensure your bars come out easily. This is an important step to avoid any sticky situations!
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, which will create a lovely filling.
3. After 10 minutes, add the lemon juice and corn starch to the strawberries. Stir to combine well. You should see the strawberries beginning to take on a lovely, syrupy consistency.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the rolled oats, flour, the second portion of granulated sugar, cinnamon, butter, salt, and vanilla. Start on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal. This texture is crucial for creating that delicious crumbly topping.
5. Now, press about 2/3 of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form the base of your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. Make sure it’s even!
6. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Make sure you cover the entire surface for a uniform flavor.
7. Take the remaining crust mixture and sprinkle it over the top of the strawberry filling. Squeeze some of the mixture into clumps to create a crumb-like topping, adding texture and visual appeal.
8. Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A delicious smell should fill your kitchen!
9. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial; cutting while warm can lead to messy bars!

Notes

• Tip 1: Try swapping out other berries in place of the strawberries for a different twist.
• Tip 2: If you would like to use Truvia Baking Blend in place of the granulated sugar, simply halve the measurement.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.