There is nothing quite like starting your day or indulging in an afternoon treat with these delightful Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, fresh strawberries, and a touch of natural sweetness, these bars strike the perfect balance between nourishment and irresistible flavor. Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a guilt-free dessert, this recipe promises a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s building the perfect texture, enhancing natural sweetness, or adding that inviting aroma that makes these strawberry oatmeal bars so comforting.
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and fiber-rich goodness.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour: Adds structure and a nutty depth to the bars.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar: Sweetens naturally while giving a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm and cozy spice note.
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps bind the bars.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and moistness.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with an inviting aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries: Delivers juicy bursts of fruity freshness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to keep it luscious.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your bars without them sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend is the foundation of your bars, offering both taste and texture with every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture infuses moisture and flavor that meld perfectly with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mix and stir everything until just combined. Reserve about 3/4 cup of this oat mixture for the topping to create that irresistible crumble sensation.
Step 5: Form the Crust
Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This crust is hearty and will hold all the delicious strawberry filling while baking beautifully crisp edges.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In another bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with the cornstarch and lemon juice. The cornstarch thickens the filling during baking, and the lemon juice adds a fresh tang that brightens every bite.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oat crust, then sprinkle the reserved oat topping over the strawberries for that final crunchy layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling gently around the pan edges.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan — this step helps the filling set, making slicing neater and tastier. Cut into squares, and voilà , you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of plain Greek yogurt to add creaminess and contrast. A few fresh strawberry slices on top add an inviting pop of color and freshness that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold almond milk for a balanced snack. For breakfast, consider serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a platter to serve at brunch or gatherings. You could also layer them with yogurt and granola in a glass for a portable parfait that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for busy mornings or midweek treats.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply microwave a piece for 20-30 seconds or warm it gently in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Warming them enhances the strawberry filling’s juiciness and softens the oat topping delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the bars soggy. The flavor will still be vibrant and delicious.
Is this Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and opt for maple syrup instead of honey. The texture and taste remain just as amazing.
Can I substitute almond flour for whole wheat flour?
You can, but almond flour may change the texture to be a bit more crumbly and moist. It’s worth trying if you prefer a gluten-free option but be prepared for a slightly different consistency.
How long do these bars stay fresh at room temperature?
Due to the fresh strawberry filling, it’s best to store the bars in the refrigerator. They can sit out for a couple of hours if covered, but refrigeration will keep them safest and tastiest.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
Definitely. Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, about 9 x 13 inches works well. Adjust the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on the bars until golden and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious, this Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple, flexible, and filled with heartwarming flavors that you and your loved ones will return to again and again. Give it a go—you might just find your next favorite homemade snack!
Print
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars combine wholesome ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh strawberries to create a delicious and nutritious dessert or snack. Perfectly chewy with a fruity filling and a crumbly oat topping, they are baked to golden perfection and are a great option for a healthy treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until fully combined; reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture to use as topping later.
- Form the crust: Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust base.
- Prepare strawberry filling: In another bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice until the fruit is evenly coated, which will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved oat topping mixture on top to cover the fruit layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan so they set properly before slicing into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute if thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
