Are you craving a dessert that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the irresistible sweetness of fresh strawberries? Look no further! These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a perfectly crumbly, golden-brown bar with juicy strawberries bursting with flavor – it's like a summer morning wrapped in a delectable treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined, forming a dough-like consistency.
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Make sure it is evenly spread out and compacted.
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup of sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them evenly with the sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the strawberries to release some of their juices.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish, making sure to distribute the strawberries as evenly as possible.
- Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the top of the strawberries. This will create a topping for the bars.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
- Make sure your butter is completely melted for the best dough consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the oat mixture.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness.
- For a more decadent version, drizzle with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- These bars are perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
