Strawberry Oatmeal Delight Bars

$To make delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s the complete list: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon cornstarch These ingredients work together to create a tasty treat. The rolled oats give a chewy texture. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor. Brown sugar provides sweetness and moisture. Butter and honey (or maple syrup) keep the bars rich and soft. The strawberries bring a burst of freshness. The lemon juice brightens the flavor. Cornstarch helps thicken the filling, making it perfect. You can easily find all these items at your local store. Gather these ingredients, and get ready to bake! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat Oven First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. - Prepare the Base Mixture In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything blends well and looks crumbly. - Create the Crust Set aside 1 cup of your oat mix for the topping. Firmly press the rest into the bottom of a greased or lined 9x9 inch baking pan. This forms a solid base for your bars. - Prepare the Strawberry Filling In another bowl, toss 2 cups of sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This mixture adds flavor and helps thicken the filling. - Assemble the Bars Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in your baking pan. - Add Topping Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the strawberries. This will give your bars a nice crumble texture on top. - Bake the Bars Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden top and bubbling strawberries. - Cool and Slice After baking, take the pan out and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to cut. - Final Cooling Tips For the best texture, cool the bars completely in the pan. If you used parchment paper, lift them out gently. Otherwise, you can cut them right in the pan. Perfecting the Bake Time Baking time is key for these bars. Check them at 25 minutes. The top should be golden brown. If it looks pale, give it a few more minutes. Watch for the strawberries bubbling; this shows they are ready. Ensuring Even Baking To ensure even baking, rotate your pan halfway through. This helps the heat spread better. If you notice one side is browning faster, turn the pan for balance. Ingredient Substitutions You can swap whole wheat flour for almond or oat flour. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. For sweetness, try agave syrup in place of honey or maple syrup. Flavor Enhancements Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can mix in nuts or seeds for extra crunch. A touch of orange zest brightens the flavor too. Serving Suggestions Cut the bars into neat squares. Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a homey feel. Pair them with yogurt or ice cream for a treat. Garnishing Ideas Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Drizzle honey or a simple glaze on top for extra flair. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for fresh strawberries that are in season. This will ensure your bars are bursting with juicy goodness. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may want to adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey. Taste the strawberry mixture before assembling the bars. Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also substitute other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your strawberry oatmeal bars. Here are two fun ideas: - Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars: Swap strawberries for a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries. This adds a burst of flavor and a nice color. - Chocolate Chip Strawberry Bars: Add chocolate chips to the strawberry mixture. The sweet chocolate pairs well with the tart strawberries. You can adjust this recipe for different diets. Here are some options: - Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free oats and flour. This keeps the bars tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. - Vegan Adaptations: Replace butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup. This makes the bars vegan while keeping them delicious. How you serve these bars can make them even better. Consider these ideas: - Pairings with Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm and cold mix is amazing! - Breakfast or Snack Ideas: Enjoy these bars as a quick breakfast or a snack. They are easy to grab and taste great any time of day. - Room Temperature Storage: You can store the bars at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They will stay fresh for up to three days. - Refrigeration Tips: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars. This helps to keep them fresh for up to a week. Make sure to wrap them well or place them in a sealed container. - How to Freeze the Bars: To freeze, first let the bars cool completely. Cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. - Thawing Tips: To thaw, simply take the bars out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you want a cozy treat. - Duration for Freshness: The bars are best when eaten fresh. At room temperature, they last for about three days. In the fridge, they can stay good for a week. - Signs of Spoilage: Look out for any mold or an off smell. If the bars feel dry or hard, they may not taste great. Always check before enjoying your treats! How do I know when the bars are done baking? You can tell the bars are done when the top turns golden brown and the strawberries bubble up. A toothpick test is also helpful. Insert it in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain any excess juice. This keeps the bars from being too soggy. What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup? You can use agave syrup or brown rice syrup as a substitute. Both will work well in this recipe. Are Strawberry Oatmeal Bars gluten-free? No, these bars are not gluten-free due to the whole wheat flour. You can use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version. How long can I store leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. Just keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Can these bars be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. They taste great even after sitting for a bit. You now have a clear guide to making delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. We covered all the steps, from mixing the base to choosing toppings. You learned how to customize and store them, ensuring freshness and flavor. Try different variations for fun new twists. Enjoy these bars as a tasty snack or a sweet treat. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make these at home. Happy baking!$

Strawberry Oatmeal Delight Bars

Delicious and healthy bars made with rolled oats and fresh strawberries.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, packed brown sugar, melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and the texture is crumbly.
Set aside approximately 1 cup of the oat mixture to use as a topping later. Firmly press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust.
In a separate bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch.
Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over the oat crust in the baking pan.
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the strawberries.
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling through.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
For optimal texture, let the bars cool completely in the pan before gently lifting them out using the parchment paper, if used, or cutting them directly in the pan.

Notes

Cut the bars into perfect squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter. For an eye-catching finish, lightly dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a touch of honey over the top before serving.

Keyword bars, dessert, oatmeal, strawberry