Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and wholesome treat, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Combining the natural sweetness of strawberries with hearty oats, these bars are simple to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil to create a crumbly mixture.
- Step 2: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased or lined baking pan to form a crust.
- Step 3: Spread the chopped strawberries evenly over the oat crust.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries, gently pressing it down without covering the fruit completely.
- Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, mix a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract into the oat mixture.
- Substitute strawberries with other fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Use almond or oat flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a soggy crust.
How can I make these bars vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your maple syrup and coconut oil are pure and unprocessed.
PrintStrawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat combining the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the richness of coconut oil. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on the go, these bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and baked to a perfect golden finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Fruit Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the oat mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats and all-purpose flour. Add the melted coconut oil and maple syrup, stirring until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press oat mixture into pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a solid base layer.
- Add strawberries: Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries over the oat base as the middle layer, spreading them out to cover the entire surface.
- Top with remaining oat mixture: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the strawberries, gently pressing down to form the top crust.
- Bake until set: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor; frozen strawberries can add extra moisture and may require longer baking.
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat makes it easier to remove bars from the pan.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the oat mixture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Keywords: strawberry oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked oat bars, maple syrup dessert, coconut oil bars
