Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups whole strawberries (washed, hulled and diced); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; Juice from half of a lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoons); 1/3 cup cornstarch; 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

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If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity freshness with hearty wholesomeness, this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. Each bite delivers juicy strawberry goodness nestled between a buttery, cinnamon-kissed oat crust and crumbly topping. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting, making it perfect for sharing at brunch, dessert tables, or even as a snack on the go. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these bars will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny silver mixing bowl filled with small diced strawberries in a red liquid, evenly spread inside the bowl. The strawberries show bright red and pale white colors, making a textured layer of mixed fruit and juice. A gray spatula with a long handle is inserted in the bowl, standing upright among the fruit. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. From the vibrant strawberries providing fresh color and sweetness to the oats and flour giving that satisfying chewiness, every element has its special role in this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe.

4 cups whole strawberries: Washed, hulled, and diced for juicy, fresh fruit filling.
⅔ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling perfectly without overpowering it.
Juice from half a lemon: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
1/3 cup corn starch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling to a luscious jam-like consistency.
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and rustic flavor in the crust and topping.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our buttery crust, adding structure and tenderness.
⅔ cup granulated sugar: Incorporated in the crust to subtly enhance the flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that complement the strawberries beautifully.
14 tablespoons unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy mixing and contributes rich moisture and flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the crust and topping.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. It’s important to get your oven hot early so your bars bake evenly. While the oven warms, spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with a nonstick spray to ensure the bars slip out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the diced strawberries and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time draws out the juicy sweetness. Afterward, stir in the fresh lemon juice and cornstarch to create a bright, thickened filling that won’t run during baking.

Step 3: Make the Oatmeal Crust and Topping

Using a stand mixer or a sturdy bowl and a wooden spoon, combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, salt, and vanilla on low speed until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs sprinkled with bits of butter. This crumbly texture ensures your bars have that perfect blend of crispness and tenderness.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Grab about two-thirds of the oatmeal crust mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the sturdy base that will hold the luscious strawberry filling. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust, taking care not to disturb it too much.

Sprinkle the remaining crust over the filling as a crumbly topping, pressing some bits together to form small clusters of buttery goodness. This contrast between soft filling and crumbly topping is the signature of this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place your assembled pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know your bars are perfect when you see a golden brown crust topping and the edges bubbling with strawberry juice. Once baked, allow them to cool completely; this step lets the filling set for cleaner cutting.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

The image shows two square strawberry crumb bars stacked on a white plate. Each bar has three layers: a light brown thick base, a bright red strawberry filling in the middle, and a crumbly, textured oat topping with large chunks on top. Next to the bars are two fresh strawberries, one whole and one sliced in half, showing bright red flesh and green leaves. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with whole strawberries and a clear glass of milk. The surface is a white marbled texture, and a pink cloth is placed near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bars further, consider dusting the tops with powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy effect or adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts nicely with the sweet strawberry filling.

Side Dishes

If serving these bars as part of a larger spread, pair them with a tangy fruit salad or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to complement the oat and cinnamon flavors. A hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk always makes the perfect beverage match as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, cut the bars into bite-size squares and serve them on a rustic wooden platter or cute paper baking cups for casual get-togethers. You can also drizzle some melted white chocolate or strawberry glaze over the top to add an extra layer of sweetness and flair, turning these bars into a centerpiece dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Storing them chilled helps the strawberry filling stay fresh and the crumble topping maintain its texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them overnight in the fridge for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and soften the bars a little, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the crust might lose its delightful crispness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the bars soggy.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe and tasty gluten-free version of this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness, but keep in mind that the sugar is key for balancing the tartness of the strawberries and for the texture of both filling and crust.

How thick should I slice the bars?

Cutting the bars into medium-sized squares—about 2 inches each—works well for serving. If you want smaller bites for parties, feel free to cut them smaller, though thinner bars might be a bit less sturdy.

What can I do if the crust is too crumbly?

If your crust feels too dry or crumbly, try letting the butter soften a bit longer before mixing or adding a teaspoon of milk or cream to help the mixture bind better. Just be careful not to over-moisten, as this can affect the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share. There is something so comforting about the cozy oats combined with juicy strawberries that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. I promise, once you bake these bars, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, whether for a quick snack or to impress guests. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need