Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a perfect blend of chewy oats and sweet, tangy strawberry jam all baked into one tasty treat. These bars have a nice crumbly top and a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a perfect blend of chewy oats and sweet, tangy strawberry jam all baked into one tasty treat. These bars have a nice crumbly top and a soft, fruity center that makes each bite feel like a little bit of sunshine. They’re simple but satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness to make you smile.
I love making these bars because they’re so easy to whip up and the kitchen smells amazing while they bake. A little tip I have is to use fresh strawberries if you can—they really brighten up the flavor and make the jam layer extra special. But even with store-bought jam, these bars always turn out great and remind me of happy summer days.
These bars are perfect to pack in a lunchbox, have with a cup of tea, or share with friends at a picnic. I find that they’re best when slightly warmed, which makes the jam gooey and the oats even softer. Whenever I make these, they disappear quickly, so I always try to double the recipe to have plenty to go around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the bars. Softened butter blends easily with sugar for a creamy base. If dairy-free, try vegan butter or coconut oil.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These give a chewy texture and hearty flavor. Quick oats work in a pinch but can make the bars softer.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries make the filling juicy and bright. If strawberries are out of season, frozen berries can work—just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing.
Cornstarch: This thickens the strawberry filling, helping it hold together and not run. You could substitute with arrowroot powder for a similar effect.
How Do I Get the Perfect Oat Crust and Filling Texture?
It’s important to balance the oat crust and the juicy strawberry filling so the bars hold together well.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar until light—this creates a tender crust.
- Don’t overmix when adding dry ingredients; overworking can make bars tough.
- Press the bottom crust firmly so it bakes evenly and won’t crumble.
- Mix the strawberry filling well with sugar and cornstarch so it thickens as it bakes.
- Spread filling evenly, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top to seal in moisture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy to cut bars.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out easily without sticking.
- Large mixing bowls – one for mixing the dough and one for the strawberry filling.
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon – to cream butter and sugar smoothly.
- Wire rack – lets the bars cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for warm spice notes.
- Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the oat crust for extra crunch.
- Stir in white chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet, creamy contrast.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Time Needed
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the bars and around 35-40 minutes baking them. Add extra time to let the bars cool completely (about 30 minutes) before slicing. All together, plan for roughly 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides so you can easily lift the bars out after baking.
2. Make the Oatmeal Mixture
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just mixed.
3. Form the Crust
Take about two-thirds of this oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the crust that holds your strawberry filling.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the berries release their juice and the cornstarch is well mixed in, which will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
5. Assemble and Bake
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oat crust layer. Then, crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the strawberries to cover the filling.
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbles around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries well to remove excess liquid before mixing, so your filling isn’t too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Butter with a Healthier Alternative?
You can swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! They actually taste great the next day after the flavors have melded. Just store them chilled or at room temperature and slice before serving.