Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with rolled oats and almond flour, these bars are packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup and fresh strawberries, offering a refined sugar-free treat.
- Diet-Friendly: Suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets, making them versatile for various dietary needs.
- Easy to Make: Simple preparation steps make this recipe accessible, even for novice bakers.
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
- A pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
Oatmeal Layers:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a small pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Bring to a low boil, cooking for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries release their juices.
- Stir in tapioca starch and cook for an additional minute to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Add maple syrup, coconut oil, and lemon juice to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly, using your hands or the back of a spoon to break up any clumps.
- Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oatmeal mixture for the topping.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Spread the strawberry filling over the crust in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Mixed Berry Bars: Substitute strawberries with a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with oat flour to make the bars nut-free, ensuring all other ingredients are certified nut-free.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange zest instead of lemon for a unique citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Individually wrap bars in parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Enjoy bars cold or at room temperature. To warm, heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and proceeding with the recipe.
2. What can I substitute for tapioca starch?
Arrowroot starch or cornstarch can be used as substitutes for tapioca starch in this recipe.
3. Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, these bars are entirely vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients.
4. How can I make these bars nut-free?
Replace almond flour with oat flour and ensure all other ingredients are free from nuts to make the bars nut-free.
5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Agave nectar or honey (if not strictly vegan) can be used as alternatives to maple syrup.
6. How do I prevent the crust from becoming too crumbly?
Ensure the coconut oil is solid at room temperature and mix the ingredients thoroughly to achieve the right consistency for the crust.
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, featuring a crumbly oat crust and sweet, gooey strawberry filling. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for breakfast, a wholesome snack, or a guilt-free dessert. Made with natural sweeteners and simple ingredients, these bars are easy to make and versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp lemon zest
- A pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
Oatmeal Layers:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a pot, combine strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, zest, and sea salt.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries release their juices.
- Stir in tapioca starch and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper.
- Mix rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add maple syrup, coconut oil, and lemon juice, mixing until combined.
- Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press remaining oatmeal mixture into the dish to form the crust.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Substitute almond flour with oat flour for a nut-free option.
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available, but thaw and drain excess liquid beforehand.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
