A simple, easy-to-follow guide for fruity oat bars.
introduction
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are sweet, oat-based bars with a bright strawberry layer and a crunchy crumble top. They make a nice snack or dessert for the week. For another fruit idea, try a blueberry muffin and strawberry shortcake recipe to see a different way to use berries.
why make this recipe
- It uses simple pantry ingredients.
- You can make it in one pan.
- Fresh strawberries add bright flavor and color.
- It works for snacks, lunchboxes, or a quick dessert.
how to make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square pan with foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray so the bars lift out easily.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove.
- Mix the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt with the melted butter. Stir until the mix looks sandy with some clumps.
- Set aside 1 heaping cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to make an even crust.
- Toss the chopped strawberries with 1/3 cup sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until coated. Spread the strawberry mix over the crust in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake at 350°F until the top is golden and the filling bubbles at the edges, about 25–35 minutes.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then chill for easier cutting. Lift out using the foil and cut into bars.
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions :
Crust and Crumble Topping:Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside. Lining the pan helps with cleanup and is recommended., In a large, microwave-safe bowl melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power., Add the flour, oats, sugars, optional salt, and stir to combine. Mixture will be dry and sandy with some larger, well-formed crumble pieces., Set 1 heaping cup mixture aside to be sprinkled on later as crumble topping., Transfer remaining mixture to prepared pan, and using a spatula or your fingers, hard-pack the mixture to create an even, smooth, flat crust; set aside., Strawberry Layer:
how to serve Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a simple snack.
how to store Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Keep in the fridge in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a tray, then wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Pack the crust firmly so it holds together when cut.
- Chill the bars before cutting to get clean slices.
- Use ripe, firm strawberries for the best texture.
- If strawberries are very juicy, add a little extra cornstarch.
variation (if any)
- Use mixed berries or raspberries instead of strawberries.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to the oat mixture.
- Swap half the oats for chopped nuts for extra crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar and cornstarch.
Q: Do I need to cook the strawberry filling first?
A: No. Toss the raw strawberries with sugar, lemon, and cornstarch and bake. The filling will thicken as it bakes.
Q: How do I get a crisper top?
A: Press the topping in small clumps and bake until golden. You can broil for 30–60 seconds at the end, watching closely.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, oat-based bars featuring a bright strawberry layer and crunchy crumble top, perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square pan with foil, spraying the foil with cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove.
- Mix the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt with the melted butter until the mixture looks sandy with some clumps.
- Set aside 1 heaping cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
- Toss the chopped strawberries with 1/3 cup sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until coated, then spread the strawberry mixture over the crust evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–35 minutes until the top is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then chill before cutting. Lift out using the foil and cut into bars.
Notes
For crisper topping, press the crumble in small clumps and watch closely while broiling for extra crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
