Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Craving a delicious treat that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients? Look no further than these irresistible Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.

These delightful squares feature a buttery oat crust, a vibrant strawberry filling bursting with natural sweetness, and a golden crumbly topping.

Ingredients List

Creating these delectable Strawberry Oatmeal Bars requires a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients to achieve that ideal combination of texture and flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each component of this delicious treat.

Strawberry Filling Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 lemon (for both juice and zest)

Oat Crumb Crust and Topping Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (solid, not melted)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, having the right kitchen tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. 8×8-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for achieving the right thickness for your bars.

1. Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal of the bars once baked.
2. Medium Saucepan: For cooking down the strawberry filling to the perfect consistency.
3. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one large bowl for the oat mixture and a smaller one for the cornstarch slurry.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of all ingredients.
5. Whisk: To properly combine the cornstarch and lemon juice.
6. Spatula: For stirring the strawberry filling and spreading it evenly over the base layer.
7. Zester or Microplane: To extract the zest from the lemon.

Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful baking experience.

Filling Preparation

The strawberry filling is the heart of these delicious bars, offering a burst of fruity flavor in every bite. Follow these steps to create the perfect consistency and taste.

Cooking the Strawberry Mixture

Begin by washing, hulling, and dicing your fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces – this ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your filling. Place the diced strawberries and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the strawberries cook, they’ll release their natural juices and begin to break down, creating a vibrant, fragrant base for your filling.

Thickening the Filling

While the strawberries are simmering, prepare your thickening agent by combining the fresh lemon juice with cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, creating a smooth slurry with no lumps.

After the strawberries have cooked down for 15 minutes, stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the filling begin to thicken as it heats – it should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Remove from heat and gently fold in the fresh lemon zest, which will add a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Crust and Topping Preparation

The oat crumb mixture serves double duty in this recipe – as both the sturdy base and the crumbly topping for these delicious bars. Getting the texture just right is key to achieving the perfect balance in every bite.

Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats and almond flour, whisking them together to ensure even distribution. The oats provide a hearty texture while the almond flour adds richness and helps bind the mixture.

In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, stir together the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Add the liquid mixture to your dry ingredients, along with the solid coconut oil and salt.

Using your fingers or a fork, work the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The coconut oil should be distributed throughout, creating small clumps that will give your crust and topping that perfect crumbly texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust too dense.

Assembling the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when your bars are ready to bake. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to create handles for easy removal later.

The cooking spray helps the parchment paper stick to the pan. Take half of your prepared oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined pan, creating a solid base layer.

Use your fingertips or the back of a measuring cup to ensure the layer is compact and even, reaching all corners of the pan. Next, carefully spread your cooled strawberry filling over the base layer, distributing it evenly with a spatula.

Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer, allowing some of the vibrant red filling to peek through for a rustic, appetizing appearance.

Baking Instructions

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars requires precise baking techniques. Follow these instructions for bars that are golden on the outside and perfectly set on the inside.

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

With your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C), place the assembled bars on the middle rack to ensure even heat distribution. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top layer turns a beautiful golden brown and appears set.

You may notice a slight bubbling around the edges where the strawberry filling is peeking through – this is a good sign that your bars are cooking properly.

About halfway through the baking time, rotate the pan 180 degrees to promote even browning. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars and make them crumbly. The topping should be firm to the touch but not hard.

Cooling and Serving

The cooling process is a crucial step that shouldn’t be rushed, as it allows the bars to set properly and develop their perfect texture and flavor profile.

Cooling Process

Once baked to golden perfection, remove your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan – this is essential for proper setting and will make cutting much easier.

For faster cooling, place the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour, or in the freezer for 30 minutes after it has initially cooled at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

The bars need to be completely cooled before cutting to prevent them from falling apart or creating a messy serving experience.

Cutting and Presentation

When the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 squares (a 4×4 grid) or 9 larger bars (a 3×3 grid).

For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife with warm water between slices. Arrange your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars on a decorative serving platter or individual dessert plates. For an extra special presentation, dust lightly with powdered sugar or garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. Follow these guidelines to enjoy them at their best for days to come.

Room Temperature Storage

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain freshness.

Refrigeration and Freezing

For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cold temperature will help preserve the freshness of the fruit filling.

These bars also freeze beautifully – wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.

They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy a frozen bar, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars offer the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and delightful sweetness.

The combination of the tender oatmeal crust, vibrant strawberry filling, and crumbly topping creates a textural symphony that’s sure to please any palate.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability – feel free to experiment with different berries or even a mix of your favorites.

You can also adjust the sweetness level according to your preference or the natural sweetness of your fruit.

The almond flour can be substituted with regular flour if needed, though it does add a wonderful nutty depth to the final product.