Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

$To make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup almond flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier twist) - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative) - 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Using healthier alternatives can make these bars even better. Swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar to reduce your refined sugar intake. Instead of unsalted butter, use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For sweetness, you can use maple syrup instead of honey, making them vegan-friendly. Almond flour is great, but you could also use whole wheat flour for a different flavor and texture. The quality of your ingredients matters a lot. Fresh strawberries will give the best flavor and sweetness. Choose organic strawberries when you can. The oats should be rolled oats, as they hold their shape well during baking. Good-quality almond flour will make the bars nutty and rich. The better your ingredients, the tastier your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars will be. To start, gather all your ingredients. You need rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, honey, vanilla extract, fresh strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step helps with easy removal later. In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients well. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend them until smooth. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir it until crumbly and cohesive. Set aside one cup of this oat mix for the topping. Pour the rest into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly to create an even base layer. Bake this base for 10 minutes to set. While it bakes, prepare the strawberry filling. Toss the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice in another bowl. This step thickens the filling. After 10 minutes, take the pan out of the oven. Spread the strawberry mix over the baked oat base. Crumble the reserved oat mixture on top. This creates a nice topping. Bake the bars for another 25-30 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the strawberries should bubble. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the bars into squares for serving. For a lovely touch, serve them on a wooden platter with powdered sugar on top and fresh strawberry slices. This makes them look even more inviting! You can serve your strawberry oatmeal bars warm or chilled. I like to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy touch. You can also serve them with a dollop of yogurt. It makes for a great breakfast or snack. Try cutting them into fun shapes for kids. They will love the colorful presentation. To amp up flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the oat mixture. This gives a warm, cozy taste. You can also mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. This adds a nice crunch. For a fruity twist, try adding other berries. Blueberries or raspberries work great too. You might want to drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a sweet finish. To avoid soggy bars, do not skip the cornstarch with strawberries. It helps keep the filling thick. Make sure to press the oat base firmly in the pan. This creates a strong layer. If your bars fall apart, let them cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely. Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer. Ovens can be off, affecting your bake time. For full instructions, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make these strawberry oatmeal bars fit many diets. For a gluten-free option, swap regular oats for certified gluten-free oats. If you need a nut-free recipe, use oat flour instead of almond flour. You can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free choice. These small changes keep the bars tasty while meeting different needs. You can easily change the flavor of your bars. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. You might also try spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A pinch of sea salt on top enhances the sweetness of the strawberries. Try mixing in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The options are endless, making each batch unique. While strawberries shine in this recipe, feel free to switch fruits with the seasons. Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. You can also mix fruits for a colorful treat. Each fruit brings its own flavor, making your bars exciting all year round. Enjoy experimenting with what you have on hand to create your perfect treat! To keep your strawberry oatmeal bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method helps keep the bars soft and tasty. Place the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Cut them into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This warms them up nicely and brings back their fresh taste. These bars stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they last up to a week. Check for any signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If they look or smell off, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping an eye on freshness ensures you enjoy every bite of your delicious strawberry oatmeal bars. To make these bars vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use maple syrup instead of honey. These changes keep the taste great and make the recipe plant-based. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them before mixing. Drain any extra juice to avoid a soggy bar. Fresh or frozen, both work well in this recipe. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. You can also line the pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the bars out and cut them. These bars last about three days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. For longer storage, try refrigerating them. They can stay fresh for up to a week that way. You can find the Full Recipe above for more details! This blog post covers essential details about Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. We explored key ingredients and highlighted healthier options. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you bake them perfectly. You learned tips, tricks, and tasty variations to fit different diets. We've also discussed the best ways to store your bars for freshness. In summary, these bars are easy to make and very customizable. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share with family! Your kitchen adventures start now.$

Discover the joy of baking with our delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars! These tasty and simple treats combine fresh strawberries and wholesome oats, making them the perfect snack for any occasion. With easy instructions, helpful tips, and fun variations, this recipe is ideal for families looking for a healthy dessert option. Ready to bake some joy? Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating delightful bars that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier twist)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative)

1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for ease of lifting the bars out once they are baked.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these ingredients well until they are evenly distributed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients are fully blended for a smooth mixture.

Form the Oat Mixture: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is crumbly yet cohesive. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping later.

Create the Base: Pour the remaining oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and firmly press it down with the back of a spatula to create an even base layer. Bake this base in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set.

Prepare Strawberry Filling: While the base is baking, prepare your strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice until the strawberries are evenly coated. This will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Assemble: After the initial 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully spread the strawberry filling evenly over the slightly baked oat base.

Add Topping: Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the strawberries, ensuring even coverage. This will create a delightful topping that adds texture.

Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberries are juicy and bubbly.

Cool Down: Once done, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangular servings for a delightful treat!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a wooden platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh strawberry slices for a stunning visual appeal. Enjoy!