Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious, chewy treat packed with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the hearty texture of oats. They have a lovely balance of fruity and…
By Ava
•
•
Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious, chewy treat packed with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the hearty texture of oats. They have a lovely balance of fruity and nutty flavors, making them perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. The bars are soft enough to enjoy on the go but sturdy enough to hold together nicely.
I love making these bars when strawberries are at their peak because their bright, juicy flavor really shines through. I usually add a little bit of cinnamon to the oat mixture—it gives the bars a warm touch that pairs so well with the berries. Plus, they’re easy to customize; sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut for an extra bit of crunch and flavor.
These bars are one of my go-to recipes when I want something sweet but still wholesome. I like to pack them for picnics, school lunches, or even just keep a batch handy in the fridge for a quick pick-me-up during the day. They’re a great way to enjoy strawberries beyond the usual bowl with cream, and they always get compliments whenever I share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted softened butter helps control the salt level. If you’re short on butter, you can try coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a vegan twist, but it may change the flavor and texture slightly.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a mild caramel taste. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural option or use white sugar if needed, but the bars might be a bit less chewy.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a nice chewy texture. Avoid quick oats here, as they can become too soft and make the bars crumbly.
Strawberry Jam: This is key for the sweet and tangy filling. You can swap for any fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, or even fresh mashed berries mixed with a bit of sugar and lemon juice.
How Do You Make the Perfect Layered Oat Base and Topping?
Getting the oat layers right ensures chewy bars with a balanced texture. Here’s what works for me:
- Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the pan for a sturdy base that holds together well.
- Spread your jam evenly but not too thick, so it doesn’t ooze out during baking.
- Crumble the remaining oat mix gently over the jam. Press lightly without compacting so the topping stays crumbly and golden.
- Baking at 350°F for 35-40 minutes lets the bars set properly without drying out. Make sure the top is golden but not burnt.
Let the bars cool fully before cutting; warm bars can be soft and fall apart. Using parchment paper with an overhang makes lifting out the bars much easier and less messy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size to fit all layers evenly and bake the bars well.
- Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift the bars out without sticking or breaking.
- Large mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients, one for dry, keeps mixing neat and simple.
- Hand mixer or sturdy spoon – a mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugar, but a spoon works fine.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements, so your bars turn out just right.
- Wire rack – helps the bars cool evenly and prevents sogginess from steam.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot preserves for a fresh twist on the filling.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture for crunch and flavor.
- Mix ¼ cup shredded coconut into the oats for a tropical hint that pairs nicely with fruit.
- Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips in the topping for chocolate lovers to enjoy.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam or preserves
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
- Powdered sugar or icing for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow extra time for the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving—about 30 minutes. So, plan for just over an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently, just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.
5. Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to make the base layer. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the oat base. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the jam, pressing lightly but keeping a crumbly texture.
6. Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Cut and Serve
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of powdered sugar or icing for a pretty finish.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries or Jam Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries can be used to make your own jam or preserves by thawing and simmering them with sugar until thickened. Using store-bought strawberry jam works perfectly too and saves time.
How Should I Store Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
You can swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or a plant-based margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option. The texture might be slightly different but it will still taste delicious.
Is It Okay to Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the chewy texture. Quick oats tend to make the bars softer and may cause them to crumble more, but they can be used if that’s what you have on hand.