- Simplicity: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- Versatility: Enjoy these bars as a morning treat, afternoon snack, or a sweet end to your meal.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh strawberries and wholesome oats, these bars are a healthier alternative to many store-bought desserts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- All-purpose flour
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar, packed
- Salt
- Fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
Directions
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until the mixture is crumbly.
- Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the topping is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields about 9 bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cooling Time: At least 1 hour
Variations
- Fruit Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative to create vegan-friendly bars.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to 6 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Enjoy the bars at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Ensure they are thawed and excess moisture is drained to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
2. What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended. Avoid quick-cooking or instant oats, as they can alter the texture of the bars.
3. Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can adjust the sugar to your taste. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the sweetness and texture of the bars.
4. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the strawberry filling is not overly wet. If using particularly juicy strawberries, consider adding a bit more cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
5. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble topping can provide extra crunch and flavor.
6. Is it necessary to use lemon juice in the filling?
Lemon juice adds a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness, but it can be omitted if desired.
7. How should I cut the bars neatly?
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts can help achieve cleaner slices.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, ensuring the topping is golden and the filling is set.
9. What can I serve with these bars?
These bars pair well with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
10. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set, the topping is lightly golden, and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Conclusion
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a versatile and delicious addition to your baking repertoire. Their ease of preparation and delightful flavor make them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delicious, buttery treat featuring a juicy strawberry filling and crisp oat crumble topping. Perfect as breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these versatile bars are easy to make with wholesome ingredients and are ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Crust & Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Crust and Topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix melted butter, flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl until crumbly.
- Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling:
- In a bowl, toss chopped strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until coated.
- Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Bake for 50 minutes, until edges are set and the topping is lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- To prevent a soggy crust, ensure the strawberry filling is not overly wet. Drain excess moisture if needed.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for neat slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
