strawberry oat bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best strawberry oat bars recipe

I’ve been making strawberry oat bars for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy oat topping is a perfect match. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with.

We make it for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but it’s also a staple in our household for a quick breakfast or snack. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires no special equipment. Simply mix together the ingredients, press them into a pan, and bake until golden brown.

The end result is a deliciously sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The history of strawberry oat bars dates back to the early 20th century when they were first popularized in the United States. The original recipe called for rolled oats, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, fresh strawberries.

Over time, variations emerged with different types of oats and flavor combinations. But the classic version remains one of the most beloved desserts in American cuisine. In terms of technique, making strawberry oat bars requires a bit of patience as you need to carefully press the mixture into a pan to ensure an even crust.

However, this process also allows you to get creative with the design – you can press patterns into the top layer or create a decorative border using chopped nuts or seeds. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these bars warm from the oven or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container for up to three days.

They’re perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any other gathering where you need something delicious and easy to transport.

Strawberry Oat Bars

4.9 from 1255 votes

These strawberry oat bars feature a buttery oat crust and crumb topping with a sweet, tangy strawberry filling. They are perfect for a snack or dessert and are easy to make with simple ingredients.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Filling

3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides for easy removal.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
5Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
6Set the remaining one-third aside for the topping.
7In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
8Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 5 to 7 minutes.
9Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
10Allow the strawberry filling to cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes.
11Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oat crust in the pan.
12Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top, covering the filling completely.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
14Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 11g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 105mg🌾Total Carbs: 43g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also substitute frozen strawberries for fresh; thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.

Watch Video Of How Strawberry Oat Bars Works

These strawberry oat bars are always a good idea for any occasion. They work well for family gatherings because they are easy to transport and everyone from kids to adults enjoys them.

I like to serve them at room temperature with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge.

They stay fresh for about a week. If you want to reheat them, pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to soften the strawberry layer.

You can also serve them cold right from the fridge, which is how my family likes them best. For a special touch, warm them up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Oat Bars

Q: What type of oats should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use rolled oats rather than steel-cut or instant oats. Rolled oats have a finer texture that will give your bars a nice crunch.

Q: Can I substitute other types of fruit?

A: While strawberries are traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

Q: How do I ensure my bars are evenly baked?

A: To achieve an even bake, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature (350°F) and use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your bars.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and adjust the liquid content accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftover bars?

A: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

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