Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups quick oats (or rolled oats) (150g); 2/3 cup flour (spelt, white, or oat) (80g); 1/2 cup sugar (or xylitol) (100g); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup oil (or butter) (100g); 2 1/2 cups diced strawberries (300g); 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot) (7g); 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) (15g)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite snack: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars! These delightful treats are a wonderful balance of tender, crumbly oats and a sweet-tart strawberry filling, all coming together in every gloriously fruity bite. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast, a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, or a fruity dessert, these bars really do it all. They’re the kind of homemade comfort food that just begs to be shared—except you might find yourself sneaking extra bars for “taste-testing” (trust me, we’ve all been there)! Simple to whip up and irresistibly tasty, Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are about to earn a permanent place in your baking rotation.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars extra special is how each ingredient works together for big flavor and gorgeous color, yet the list stays simple and accessible. Every item offers something: chewy oats, bright berries, a hint of sweetness, and a buttery crumb that’ll tempt anyone within sniffing distance.

Quick oats (or rolled oats): The backbone of these bars, offering a cozy, chewy bite and wholesome texture.
Flour (spelt, white, or oat): Binds everything together and makes the crumb just tender enough.
Sugar (or xylitol): Sweetens the crust and topping to contrast the tangy strawberry center.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth that beautifully complements the strawberries.
Baking powder: Lifts the crumb ever so slightly, so your bars aren’t dense.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
Oil (or butter): Provides richness and ensures the crumb melts in your mouth.
Strawberries (diced): The vibrant, juicy star of the show—fresh or even slightly overripe work perfectly.
Cornstarch (or arrowroot): Thickens the juicy filling, preventing a soggy base.
Pure maple syrup (or sweetener of choice): Adds extra flavor and a touch of natural sweetness to the fruity filling.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch baking pan well, or make cleanup even easier by lining it with parchment paper. A well-prepped pan is your secret weapon to get perfectly sliceable bars that lift right out every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir it all together so the cinnamon and baking powder get evenly distributed—this helps every bite taste as good as the last.

Step 3: Add the Fat

Pour in your oil or melted butter. Mix until it all begins to clump; you want every little oat coated, forming a chunky, delicious dough. This mixture will be the base and the crumb topping for your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.

Step 4: Press the Crust

Take two-thirds of your dough and very firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pressing firmly creates a stable base, so your bars hold together beautifully (and, trust me, the thicker the base, the more satisfying that first bite).

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Filling

Stir together the diced strawberries, cornstarch, and maple syrup in a separate bowl. The cornstarch will work its magic while baking, transforming those juicy berries into a dreamy, thick filling that won’t run everywhere once sliced.

Step 6: Layer It Up

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust layer, covering all the way to the edges for even flavor. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top—feel free to let a bit of the pink strawberry peek through for that rustic, homey look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan onto the center rack and bake for about 45 minutes. The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the sweet strawberry scent fills your kitchen. Patience is key: let them cool completely, then chill in the fridge so they set up. The wait is so worth it—this step transforms the bars from delicate to perfectly firm and sliceable.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Garnishes

Turn your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars into a real showstopper with some simple garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar creates a bakery-style finish, or drizzle melted peanut butter or almond butter across the top for a modern twist. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of extra diced strawberries adds even more strawberry goodness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, try them alongside fresh fruit or a hearty egg scramble—they’ll add just the right amount of sweetness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars into classic squares for snacking, or go elegant by slicing them into thin rectangles and serving on a platter with fancy toothpicks. For a fun dessert bar, offer a variety of toppings—think chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes—and let everyone build their own “ultimate” bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Bars keep wonderfully in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. They’re even delicious served chilled, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack at any hour.

Freezing

For longer storage, these bars freeze like a dream. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To warm your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, microwave individual pieces for about 10–15 seconds, or place several bars on a baking sheet and warm in a 300 F oven until soft and just heated through. Warm bars make an especially cozy breakfast or dessert.

FAQs

What kind of oats work best in this recipe?

Both quick oats and rolled oats deliver a lovely texture, but quick oats will blend in more for a softer bite, while rolled oats provide a heartier chew. Avoid steel-cut oats—they won’t soften enough during baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain off extra liquid before using, so the bars don’t become soggy. Frozen strawberries are a great option outside of berry season.

Are these bars gluten-free?

You can easily make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. Double-check your baking powder as well—some brands use additives containing gluten.

Can I reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener?

Yes! You can cut the sugar slightly or swap for coconut sugar, honey, or your favorite natural sweetener. The bars will still hold together and taste delicious, though sweetness may vary.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Simply use plant-based butter (or oil) and ensure your sugar or sweetener is vegan. Everything else in the recipe is already plant-based, making Strawberry Oatmeal Bars ideal for sharing with vegan friends and family.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a batch of homemade Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, especially when each bite bursts with juicy berry flavor and a buttery, golden crumb. If you’re looking for an easy bake that delivers pure happiness, look no further—give these bars a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your most-requested treat from here on out!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the sweetness of strawberries with wholesome oats, creating a delicious snack or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix Oat Base: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Add oil or melted butter. Press 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the pan.
Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, mix diced strawberries, cornstarch, and maple syrup. Spread this over the oat base in the pan.
Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the strawberry filling. Press down firmly.
Bake and Chill: Bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool, then refrigerate until firm. Serve plain or with toppings of choice.

Notes

You can customize these bars by adding nuts or seeds to the oat base for extra crunch.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American