Let me tell you about my all-time favorite dessert: Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars! I can hardly resist these sweet, fruity bars, and I think you’ll feel the same once you give them a try. There’s something truly nostalgic about biting into a crumbly, buttery crust that gives way to a burst of sweet strawberries. For me, they remind me of summer picnics when my mom would whip up a batch, and we’d all sit around the checkered blanket enjoying them while the sun warmed our faces.
What I love the most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up, and it uses fresh strawberries, which always adds that extra zing! Plus, the combination of oats and fruit makes it feel a tad wholesome, which is perfect for when you just want to enjoy a guilty pleasure without feeling too guilty. So, let’s dive in and make some delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars together!
What’s in Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars?
Rolled Oats: These hearty oats form the base of our crumble and provide a chewy, satisfying texture. I prefer using old-fashioned rolled oats for the best bite, but quick oats work in a pinch too!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps to bind our crust and keep everything together. You can swap with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Brown Sugar: Packed with moisture, brown sugar gives the bars a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount if you want a less sweet treat.
Granulated Sugar: I use granulated sugar for both the crust and the strawberry filling, but you can also cut back on it for a healthier twist.
Baking Soda: This is a leavening agent that makes our crumble a little lighter while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the crust. If you’re going dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative!
Vanilla Extract: This is the secret ingredient that ties everything together with its aromatic flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Sweet, juicy strawberries are what make these bars shine. When strawberries are in season, definitely go for fresh, but frozen would work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken our strawberry filling, so it stays nice and set when baked.
Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity from the lemon adds brightness to the strawberries and brings out their natural sweetness.
Additional Granulated Sugar: This is sprinkled into the strawberry filling to really enhance the sweetness.
Is Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest here; these bars are more of a treat than a health food, but there are definitely some redeeming qualities!
Rolled Oats: They’re packed with fiber and can help keep you full longer, which makes it easier to resist other sugary snacks. They’re known for their heart-healthy benefits too!
Strawberries: These little red gems are low in calories and high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They really help to lower cholesterol and promote healthy digestion.
The downside is that with the sugars involved, moderation is key! You can definitely enjoy these bars as a part of a balanced diet but try not to devour the whole batch in one sitting, even though they might tempt you!
Ingredients Breakdown
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the strawberry filling)
This recipe yields about 16 bars, perfect for sharing with family or friends (or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!).
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to mix everything together.
3. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is crumbly but fully combined.
4. Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a crust, while setting the remaining one-third aside for topping.
5. In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Toss until all the strawberries are well coated.
6. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust in the baking pan.
7. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberries, covering the filling evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
10. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars!
Serving Suggestions for Your Strawberry Delight
These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top! They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack.
If you have a bit of mint, a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing touch to your plate. And if you’re feeling fun, you could even drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top—because who doesn’t love chocolate?
I hope you enjoy making these bars as much as I do! It’s such a joy to share them with others, and I’d love to hear about your baking adventures. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out and if you made any fun variations! Happy baking!
