Description
Delight in the wholesome goodness of Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. These bars feature a crumbly oat and flour crust layered with a luscious strawberry filling made from fresh berries and preserves, finished with a golden oat topping. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a satisfying balance of fruitiness and comforting oat texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Filling
- 3/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars.
- Mix Crust and Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly but can hold together when pressed. Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping later.
- Form the Crust: Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer that will support the filling.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the strawberry preserves, diced fresh strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice until well combined. This filling will thicken as it bakes and give a fresh fruity flavor.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oat crust in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the reserved oat mixture uniformly on top to create a crumbly, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; this helps the filling set properly. Once cooled, slice into 9 bars and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable; simply thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For firmer bars and easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting.
