Indulge in the sweet and tangy goodness of Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars, a perfect dessert for any occasion. These bars are simple to make, bursting with fresh strawberries, and topped with a buttery, crunchy oatmeal crumble. With only 10 minutes of prep, they are an easy treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, breakfast, or a light dessert, these strawberry oatmeal crumble bars are sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, oat-filled crust and crumble topping meld beautifully with the fresh, slightly tangy strawberry filling. Quick to prepare, this one-bowl recipe requires minimal effort and is incredibly versatile. These bars are not overly sweet, letting the strawberries shine through, making them a great option for a healthier snack or a lighter dessert.
Ingredients for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bars:
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect crumble texture.
• Flour: Provides structure to the bars, making the crust firm but not overly dense.
• Old-fashioned oats: Give the bars a chewy texture and enhance the crumble topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps the crust and crumble to brown perfectly.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor to complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.
• Fresh strawberries: The star of the recipe, offering natural sweetness and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling and enhances its natural flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to prevent it from being too runny.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid.
• Gluten-free flour: To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Maple syrup: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile and to reduce refined sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until combined. The mixture will be dry with some larger crumble pieces. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture to use as the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Make the Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until well combined. If the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved, don’t worry—it will melt during baking.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top, pressing it lightly to form larger crumble pieces.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the crumble topping is lightly golden. The strawberry filling should be bubbling around the edges. If the bars look too soft, allow them to bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least an hour. This allows the filling to set. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely helps the filling set and makes them easier to slice.
• Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. If you overbake them, the crust may become too hard.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. If your strawberries are particularly sweet, you may want to cut back slightly on the sugar.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These strawberry oatmeal crumble bars pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive twist, top them with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries to change up the flavor.
If you want to make ahead, these bars store well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to 10 days. You can also freeze them for up to six months—just be aware that the crumble topping may soften over time.
Why Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Are Perfect for Every Season
These bars aren’t just for summer—strawberries are available year-round, making this a versatile dessert for any season. In winter, you can swap in frozen strawberries, making these bars a comforting treat during colder months. Their balance of sweetness and fruitiness makes them a great choice for a spring or summer brunch, while the hearty oats make them filling enough for breakfast or a midday snack.
Enjoy these irresistible Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars today and bring the taste of fresh strawberries into your kitchen!
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a healthy breakfast, or a light dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are an ideal choice for any occasion. Fresh strawberries shine in every bite, and the oatmeal crumble topping adds the perfect texture. These bars are a must-try for anyone who loves fruity desserts that aren’t too sweet but still utterly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery and will help maintain the perfect texture for your bars.
How long can Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars be stored?
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days. They also freeze well for up to 6 months, although the crumble topping may soften over time.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar according to your preference. If your strawberries are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the crust and the filling. However, keep in mind that a little sugar helps to balance the tartness of the fruit and achieve that perfect texture.
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Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with a buttery oat crumble topping and a juicy strawberry filling. Quick to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert, they are a crowd favorite that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture is dry with some large crumble pieces.
- Set 1 cup of the mixture aside to use as the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to combine.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the strawberry layer. Press lightly to form larger crumble pieces.
- Bake for about 50 minutes or until the edges are set and the crumble topping is golden. The strawberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Feel free to substitute frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to thaw and drain them.
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 308 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 122mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
