Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ready to transform simple everyday ingredients into a batch of irresistible Strawberry Oatmeal Bars? These delightful bars are the perfect blend of sweet, chewy oatmeal and juicy strawberries, topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble. They’re easy to make, perfect for the whole family, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Get ready for some serious comfort food!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and wholesome. The oats provide a hearty base, the strawberries burst with juicy flavor, and the crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast. Plus, it’s super easy to make – even the little ones can help! These bars are perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
Key Ingredients
🍓 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
🥣 1 ½ cups rolled oats
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
🍯 ½ cup packed light brown sugar
🥚 1 large egg
🥛 ½ cup milk
🥄 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🥣 ½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Strawberries: Wash and slice your strawberries. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Oatmeal Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the oats, softened butter, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3️⃣ Add the Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. Don’t overmix!
4️⃣ Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ½ cup of the softened butter (from the original amount), and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5️⃣ Assemble and Bake: Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the oat mixture.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the bars are set.
7️⃣ Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Handy Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- If your strawberries are extra juicy, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of flour to the oat mixture to help absorb the moisture.
- Don’t overbake the bars, or they’ll be dry.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the oats are thoroughly cooked and the crumble gets nicely golden brown without burning. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
The crumble topping provides a delightful contrast to the chewy oat base. The crunchy texture of the crumble combined with the soft, moist interior makes for a perfectly balanced bar.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries will also work! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using.
- To make individual bars, use muffin tins instead of a 9×13 inch pan.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These bars make a wonderful homemade gift! Package individual bars in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or cut the whole pan into bars and wrap it in pretty baking paper.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Strawberry: Add the zest of one lemon to the oat mixture.
🌟 Chocolate Chip Strawberry: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the strawberries.
🌟 Coconut Strawberry: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the oat mixture.
🌟 Raspberry Strawberry: Substitute half of the strawberries with raspberries.
Troubleshooting
- Bars are too dry: Next time, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Crumble topping is too brown: Loosely cover the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Strawberries are too runny: Add a tablespoon of flour to the oat mixture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the mixture.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake them a day or two in advance.
Q: What can I substitute for the milk? A: You can use any type of milk – almond milk, soy milk, or even orange juice.
Q: Can I use a different type of oat? A: Quick-cooking oats will also work, but the texture might be slightly different.
Q: How many bars does this recipe make? A: This recipe makes approximately 16 bars.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. So grab your ingredients and get baking! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media! Happy baking!
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars: Family Fun
Deliciously sweet and tangy strawberry oatmeal crumble bars perfect for a family treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan.
- In another bowl, mix chopped strawberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and granulated sugar until strawberries are well coated.
- Spread the strawberry mixture over the pressed oat layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberry layer, pressing down lightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the oat mixture.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.