Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Looking for a delicious treat to satisfy your sweet cravings? These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of wholesome oats and juicy strawberries, creating a delightful snack or dessert option. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a midday pick-me-up, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Science Note: Oats provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the bars, while strawberries add a juicy and sweet element. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a caramelized crust that complements the fruity filling.

Substitution: For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also replace the butter with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.

4. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. In a separate bowl, mix strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.

6. Spread the strawberry mixture over the oat layer in the dish.

7. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries.

8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

9. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Expert Tips

• For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top of the bars before baking.
• If the strawberries are very ripe and juicy, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the filling to balance the sweetness.
• To save time, you can use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making the filling from scratch.

Storage & Substitutions

Store the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 1 month, thawing them in the refrigerator before serving. Feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries or peaches for a customized twist on this recipe.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh. Thaw the strawberries and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

How do I make these bars vegan-friendly?

To make the bars vegan, replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that all other ingredients are plant-based and free from animal products.

Can I add other ingredients to the oat mixture?

Feel free to customize the oat mixture by adding cinnamon, vanilla extract, or shredded coconut for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the additional moisture these ingredients may introduce.

Are these bars suitable for a breakfast option?

While these bars contain fruit and oats, they do have a sweet and buttery base, making them more of a dessert or snack item. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How can I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?

To avoid a soggy texture, ensure that the strawberries are well-drained before adding them to the oat mixture. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of oats on the bottom of the baking dish to absorb excess moisture.

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