Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, featuring juicy strawberries nestled between a buttery, crunchy oat crumble. Ideal for any occasion, whether as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With wholesome ingredients like oats and fresh fruit, you can satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Plus, they’re customizable—experiment with different fruits or spices to suit your taste preferences. Bake a batch today and share the joy with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar (or honey), lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally until it simmers and thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup (if using), mixing just until combined to form a crumbly dough.
- Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over this layer before sprinkling on the remaining crumble mixture. Gently press down on top to create an even layer.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around edges. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. The filling will firm up as they cool. Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper if used and slice into squares or rectangles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger. For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.