Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a deliciously sweet and buttery dessert with a crumbly oat base, a layer of juicy strawberry filling, and a golden crisp topping. These bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert and can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, crumbly texture with a sweet strawberry filling
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking
- Can be made ahead and stored for later
- Easily adaptable with different fruits or add-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust & Crumble Topping:
- Old-fashioned oats
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crumble mixture: In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Reserve ⅓ of the mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, toss strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Assemble the bars: Press ⅔ of the oat mixture into the baking dish. Spread the strawberry filling over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool & slice: Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Mixed Berry Bars: Use a blend of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the topping.
- Healthier Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I prevent soggy bars?
Make sure to use cornstarch in the filling to help thicken the fruit mixture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, use less sugar or replace it with honey or maple syrup.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
They’re fine at room temperature for a day but last longer in the fridge.
Can I add a glaze?
Yes! Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze for extra sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Are these good for breakfast?
Absolutely! They’re similar to a fruit-filled oatmeal bar.
Can I use store-bought jam instead of fresh fruit?
Yes, but reduce the sugar since jam is already sweetened.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill before cutting and use a sharp knife for even bars.
Conclusion
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet fruit filling, and crunchy topping, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them today for a delightful homemade snack!
Print
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These strawberry oatmeal crumble bars are buttery, fruity, and packed with wholesome oats! Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Make the Oat Crust & Crumble:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
-
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
- Let cool slightly, then spread evenly over the crust.
-
Add the Crumble Topping & Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
-
Cool & Serve:
- Let bars cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries.
- For a healthier version, use coconut sugar and whole wheat flour.
- Make it gluten-free by using oat flour and certified gluten-free oats.