Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are simple to make and filled with wholesome ingredients, making them a great option for a guilt-free indulgence. The oats provide a chewy, hearty base, while the fresh strawberry filling adds a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. They are perfectly sweet without being overly sugary and are great for anyone looking for a balanced snack or treat. Plus, they are vegan, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. These bars are perfect for meal prep, and they store well, so you can enjoy them for several days after baking.

Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

• 3/4 cup almond flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the strawberry filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the crust and topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed, and the dough starts to come together.

4. Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the oat base.

5. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry filling, pressing it gently into place.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.

7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 9-12 bars (depending on size)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

1. Other fruit fillings: Swap out the strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also use a combination of different fruits to create your own custom filling.

2. Add nuts or seeds: Add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds into the oat mixture for added crunch and extra nutrients.

3. Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs well with the strawberry filling.

4. Gluten-free: To make these bars completely gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour in place of the almond flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours, or heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking, as frozen strawberries release more liquid.

2. Can I use another type of sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or even a few tablespoons of date syrup for a more natural sweetener.

3. Can I make this recipe without coconut oil?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with another fat like vegan butter, vegetable oil, or even applesauce for a lighter version.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and swap the almond flour for oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

5. How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?

Make sure to press the oat mixture firmly into the pan, especially the crust. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to give them time to set.

6. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes! You can mix different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches into the strawberry filling. Adjust the sweetener depending on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

7. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are great for meal prep! You can make them the day before and store them in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few days.

8. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the filling has set. You can insert a toothpick into the crust, and if it comes out clean, they are ready.

9. Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or any liquid sweetener of your choice.

10. Can I add a crumbly topping to these bars?

Yes! You can mix a bit of additional flour, oats, and sugar with some vegan butter to create a crumbly topping to sprinkle over the bars before baking.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a perfect balance of healthy ingredients and sweet, fruity flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast or a tasty snack, they are sure to please everyone, whether vegan or not. With endless variations and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. These bars also make for an excellent on-the-go treat, so bake a batch today and enjoy these chewy, satisfying bars