Print

Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 6 reviews

Delightfully healthy strawberry oatmeal bars combining the hearty texture of oats with fresh, juicy strawberries and a touch of natural sweetness. These bars are perfect for a nutritious snack or a wholesome breakfast treat, featuring a crumbly oat crust and an optional vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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):

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles for easy lifting.
  2. Make Crumble Mixture and Press Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside ½ cup of this crumble mixture for topping. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands or the back of a measuring cup to create a solid crust layer.
  3. Layer Strawberries and Sugar: Scatter half of the diced strawberries evenly over the crust layer. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the strawberries to help thicken the filling. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice and half of the granulated sugar (½ tablespoon) over the fruit. Then scatter the remaining strawberries on top, followed by the remaining ½ tablespoon granulated sugar.
  4. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup crumble mixture evenly over the top of the fruit layer, leaving some berries visible. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the fruit is bubbly and the crumble topping is golden and toasted. Remove from oven and set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. To cool faster, you may place it in the refrigerator.
  5. Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Add extra milk as needed for a thinner glaze consistency. Using the parchment paper handles, lift the cooled bars from the pan, place them on a cutting board, drizzle with the vanilla glaze, slice into 16 bars, and serve.

Notes

  • The recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch baking pan. The bars will be thicker but just as delicious.
  • To make gluten free, substitute the white whole wheat flour with an equal amount of 1:1 baking mix.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • To freeze, cool bars completely and omit the glaze. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and add glaze then. Bars can also be frozen with glaze but may lose some texture.
  • If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and pat dry before preparing the recipe to avoid excess moisture.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/healthy-strawberry-oatmeal-bars-recipe/