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Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

These healthy strawberry oatmeal bars feature a buttery crumb topping with whole grain oats for a wholesome snack or dessert. Made with simple ingredients in one bowl, they deliver a perfect balance of sweet strawberries and a crunchy oat crust. Gluten free and vegan substitutions are possible, making these bars versatile and easy to enjoy anytime.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Bars:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
  • ¾ cup white whole wheat flour (or substitute all-purpose flour or 1:1 baking flour to make gluten free)
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy free)
  • 2 cups small-diced strawberries (about 10 ounces), divided
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about ½ small lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided

For the Vanilla Glaze (optional):

  • ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (any kind you like)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles for easy removal later.
  2. Make the oat crust: In a medium bowl, combine oats, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, ginger, and kosher salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until clumps form and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Reserve ½ cup of this crumble mixture for topping.
  3. Form the crust in the pan: Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even, compact layer. Using the back of a measuring cup can help ensure it is pressed down well to hold together.
  4. Add the strawberries and toppings: Scatter half of the diced strawberries evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the berries, then drizzle the lemon juice and ½ tablespoon of granulated sugar over the fruit. Add the remaining strawberries and ½ tablespoon more sugar on top.
  5. Top with reserved crumble: Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the strawberries. Some fruit will still be visible through the crumb topping.
  6. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping is golden and smells toasty.
  7. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. You can speed cooling by placing the pan in the refrigerator if desired.
  8. Prepare the glaze (optional): While bars cool, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
  9. Serve: Using the parchment handles, lift bars from the pan. Drizzle with the vanilla glaze if using, slice into 16 bars, and serve.

Notes

  • You can double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for thicker bars.
  • To make these bars gluten free, replace white whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten free baking mix.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze, cool bars completely (do not glaze), then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw in refrigerator before glazing and serving. Bars can also be frozen glazed if desired.
  • If using frozen strawberries, thaw fully and pat dry before using in the recipe.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/healthy-strawberry-oatmeal-bars-recipe/