Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a crunchy oat topping. These bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack throughout the day. They are easy to make and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it uses fresh strawberries, making it a delicious way to enjoy seasonal fruit. Second, the combination of ingredients creates a wonderful balance between sweet and tart flavors. Finally, these bars are simple to prepare, making them a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet day at home, these crumbly bars are sure to impress.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Follow these simple steps to whip up your very own Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars:

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
For the Crust and Crumble Topping: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 1 minute in the microwave).
Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and optional salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined. The mixture should be sandy with some larger crumble pieces.
Set aside 1 heaping cup of the mixture to use later as the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan to form a smooth, even crust.
For the Strawberry Layer: In the same bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to combine.
Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the strawberries. For larger crumble pieces, squeeze the mixture in your palm before sprinkling.
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is just set. The crumble topping should be pale golden, and the strawberry filling should be bubbling along the edges.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Do not slice before cooling to avoid messy bars.
Slice and enjoy the sweet, crumbly goodness of these strawberry oatmeal bars!

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some extra oats or nuts on top for added texture.

How to Store Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Tips to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
Adjust the sugar based on your taste and how sweet your strawberries are.
Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delicious twist!
Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing to keep them from falling apart.

Variation

Try adding nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, to the crumble for added crunch. You can also use a mix of berries for a more colorful and flavorful dessert!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

Q: How do I know when my bars are done baking?
A: The edges should be set, the center should just be set, and the topping should be pale golden, with the strawberry filling bubbling along the edges.