Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Craving a sweet and satisfying treat? Look no further than these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. A perfect blend of juicy strawberry filling and hearty oat crumble, these bars are a delicious and healthier dessert option.

With the natural sweetness of maple syrup, the tartness of lemon, and the rich flavors from coconut oil and almond flour, they make for a wholesome, indulgent snack any time of day.

Ingredients List

To create these mouthwatering Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, we need to gather a few key ingredients for both the strawberry filling and the oat crumb topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

Strawberry Filling:

• 2 1/2 cups strawberries, diced
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

Oat Crumb Crust / Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid (not melted)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to create a delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite.

Part 2: Required Kitchen Tools and Preparation

When preparing these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, having the right kitchen tools will make the process smoother and ensure the perfect end result. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:

1. Medium Saucepan: To cook the strawberry filling and thicken it with cornstarch, a medium-sized saucepan is perfect.
2. Whisk: For mixing the lemon juice and cornstarch, a small whisk will help incorporate the ingredients without clumps.
3. Large Mixing Bowl: This will be used to combine the dry ingredients for the oat crumble.
4. 8×8 Baking Dish: A square baking dish is the ideal size for these bars. Make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
5. Parchment Paper: Helps to line the baking dish and prevents the bars from sticking.
6. Nonstick Cooking Spray: To ensure the parchment paper sticks to the pan while baking.

Preparation

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start putting everything together. Follow these simple steps to make your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars:

1. Cook the Strawberry Filling:
   Add the diced strawberries and maple syrup to a medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The strawberries will break down, and the syrup will infuse the fruit with sweetness.
2. Thicken the Filling:
   While the strawberries cook, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves. Add this mixture to the saucepan with the strawberries, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the filling thickens. Stir in the lemon zest for an added fresh kick of flavor.

Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Bars

Now that our strawberry filling is ready and our kitchen tools are in place, it’s time to assemble these delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. Follow the steps below to create the perfect base, filling, and crumble topping.

Assembling the Bars

1. Prepare the Oat Crumble:
   In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be crumbly but moist enough to hold together when pressed.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Then, line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
3. Layer the Crumble:
   Take half of the oat crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers to gently press it down to form the crust layer.
4. Bake the Crust:
   Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the crust at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
5. Add the Strawberry Filling:
   Carefully pour the strawberry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Top with Remaining Crumble:
   Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble evenly over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about covering it completely—this will create a nice, textured topping.
7. Bake Again:
   Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the topping looks set and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are slightly crispy and the top is firm to the touch.

Part 4: Cooling, Serving, and Storage

The final steps are crucial to ensure your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are easy to cut and enjoy. Here’s how to finish up the process and store any leftovers.

Cooling and Cutting the Bars

1. Cool Completely:
   After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This is important because cutting them too soon may cause them to fall apart. For quicker cooling, you can place the baking dish in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The chill helps the bars set up and makes them easier to cut.
2. Slice and Serve:
   Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. The perfect bar should have a firm, crumbly topping with a rich, fruity filling.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the experience, consider serving the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional maple syrup. For an extra indulgent treat, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these strawberry oatmeal bars.

Storage Instructions

To keep these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars fresh, follow these storage guidelines:

1. Room Temperature:
   Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Refrigeration:
   If you’d like to keep them longer, you can store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor.
3. Freezing:
   These bars freeze wonderfully for later enjoyment. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect balance of fruity, sweet, and hearty. The combination of fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and the oat crumble topping makes them irresistible!

Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite. Plus, with easy storage options, you can enjoy them over several days. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and share these sweet bars with your loved ones. You won’t be disappointed!