Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars because they combine the natural sweetness of strawberries with the wholesome goodness of oats. They’re versatile—perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert. The combination of fresh fruit and oats offers a delicious and nutritious way to indulge without the guilt. Plus, with options for making them vegan or gluten-free, this recipe is great for nearly any dietary need.

Ingredients

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

For the Strawberry Bars:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
¾ cup white whole wheat flour (or substitute all-purpose flour or 1:1 baking flour to make gluten-free)
⅓ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy-free)
2 cups small-diced strawberries (about 10 ounces), divided
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about ½ small lemon)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided

For the Vanilla Glaze (optional but delicious, especially if you prefer a sweeter bar):

½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (any kind you like)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, and salt.
Add the melted butter (or coconut oil) and mix until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Spread this strawberry mixture evenly over the oat base.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberries, gently pressing it down.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strawberries are bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bars cool, prepare the optional vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 bars, depending on how you slice them
Total Time: 45-50 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute to make these bars gluten-free.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil, and ensure you use plant-based milk for the glaze.
Berry Mix: For a fun twist, swap out some of the strawberries for other berries, like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the recipe to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make the bars less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base or the glaze, or skip the glaze altogether if you want a less sweet bar.

Can I use a different kind of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the white whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour if needed.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The bars are delicious on their own, or you can enjoy them with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can use other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Just adjust the sweetness as needed.

Can I make these bars without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or another dairy-free alternative to make the bars vegan and dairy-free.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?

Be sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding them to the recipe.

Conclusion

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a versatile, delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, these bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with fresh fruit flavor. Plus, with easy-to-make variations, you can customize them to suit your dietary needs. Try them out today and enjoy a sweet, satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars offer the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and hearty oats, making them a delicious and wholesome treat. Made with fresh strawberries and old-fashioned rolled oats, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. With optional variations like gluten-free and vegan options, and a vanilla glaze for added sweetness, these bars are a versatile and irresistible treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, and salt.
Add the melted butter (or coconut oil) and mix until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Spread this strawberry mixture evenly over the oat base.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberries, gently pressing it down.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strawberries are bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bars cool, prepare the optional vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

To make the bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute.
For a dairy-free or vegan version, swap the butter with melted coconut oil and use plant-based milk for the glaze.
If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the sugar in the base or glaze, or skip the glaze entirely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American