Description
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars offer a deliciously guilt-free treat combining wholesome oats, fresh strawberries, and natural sweeteners. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp with a juicy berry filling, these bars are an ideal snack or breakfast option that’s nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare the oat mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil or butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Set aside ¾ cup of this mixture to use as the topping later.
- Form the crust: Press the remaining oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid crust layer.
- Make the strawberry filling: In a separate bowl, toss the diced fresh strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar if using, to enhance the sweetness and help thicken the filling.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust. Then sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of oat mixture evenly on top of the strawberries as a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 16 bars. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to keep the recipe vegan.
- Using fresh strawberries ensures a fresh flavor, but frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well.
- To make the bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
- Adjust sweetness by omitting or adding the optional sugar in the filling.
- These bars are best stored refrigerated and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
