Are you searching for the perfect treat that works for breakfast, a midday snack, or a simple dessert? Look no further. These incredible Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the answer you have been waiting for. They feature a buttery, chewy oatmeal crust, a layer of sweet and vibrant strawberry filling, and a generous sprinkle of crumbly topping. In addition, this recipe is remarkably easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Consequently, you can whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the most delicious homemade bars imaginable.
Moreover, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them warm from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or let them cool completely for a portable snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes and picnics. Because they use simple pantry staples, you likely have most of the ingredients on hand right now. Therefore, get ready to discover your new favorite recipe for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. Let’s start baking!
Why You’ll Adore These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but a few stand out immediately. First and foremost, the texture is simply divine. The base is firm yet chewy, providing a wonderful contrast to the soft, jammy fruit filling. On top of that, the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch that brings everything together. It is a symphony of textures in every single bite.
Another key point is the incredible flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries and wholesome oats is a classic for a reason. The oatmeal crust has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of brown sugar, which perfectly complements the bright, slightly tart strawberry layer. Unlike store-bought bars that can be overly sweet, this recipe allows the natural flavor of the fruit to shine through. For instance, using fresh strawberries in season will result in an exceptionally vibrant taste. These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a genuinely satisfying treat that doesn’t feel overly heavy or processed.
Finally, the sheer simplicity of this recipe makes it a winner. The same oatmeal mixture is used for both the base and the topping, which significantly cuts down on prep time and dishes. As a result, you can have these bars in the oven in under 20 minutes. It’s an ideal recipe for those moments when you need a delicious dessert without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, you will find this process straightforward and rewarding.
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Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars: The 15 Ultimate Steps for the Best Chewy Treat
These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars feature a buttery, chewy oat crust, a sweet and jammy strawberry filling, and a golden crumb topping—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Crumble:
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Strawberry Filling:
3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping.
5. Press remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
6. Bake crust for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
7. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
8. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir into the strawberry mixture.
9. Cook until filling thickens and bubbles, about 5–7 minutes.
10. Spread warm strawberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
11. Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture evenly over the filling.
12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
13. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
Let bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture.
If using frozen strawberries, no need to thaw—just cook slightly longer if needed.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready to go makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. This recipe uses common ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each component.
For the Oatmeal Crumble Base and Topping
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of our crumble. It provides the necessary gluten to hold the bars together.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For the best texture, use rolled oats. They provide a wonderful chewiness that quick oats can’t quite replicate. Oats are also a great source of fiber, according to health experts at Healthline.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the oats.
- Granulated Sugar: A little white sugar helps with sweetness and contributes to a crispier crumble topping.
- Baking Soda: This helps the crust rise just slightly, giving it a lighter, more tender texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Cold Butter: Using cold, cubed butter is the secret to a perfect crumble. As the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates steam, resulting in a flaky, tender texture rather than a greasy one.
For the Sweet Strawberry Filling
- Strawberries: You can use fresh or frozen strawberries for these bars. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw them first. Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, as noted by sources like WebMD.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling. You can adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of your berries.
- Cornstarch: This is our thickening agent. It ensures the strawberry filling becomes jammy and doesn’t make the crust soggy.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the strawberries and helps the filling set properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it is time to create these amazing Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. Follow these 15 simple steps for guaranteed success.
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Consequently, this ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Set aside approximately 1 cup of this crumble mixture. This will be used for the topping later on.
- Take the remaining crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. This pre-baking step helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- While the crust is baking, you can prepare the strawberry filling. To begin, wash, hull, and chop your fresh strawberries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This prevents lumps from forming in your filling.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the strawberry mixture in the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it bubbles and thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the crust is pre-baked, remove it from the oven and carefully spread the warm strawberry filling evenly over the top.
- After that, sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumble mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Finally, return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Crumble Bars
While the recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars from good to absolutely irresistible. Firstly, do not overwork the crumble mixture. You want to see those little pockets of butter, as they are essential for creating a light, flaky texture. Overmixing will melt the butter and result in a dense, tough crust.
Secondly, patience is key when it comes to cooling. It can be incredibly tempting to cut into the bars while they are still warm, but allowing them to cool completely is crucial. As they cool, the filling will set, and the crust will firm up. Consequently, this ensures you get clean, beautiful squares that hold their shape. If you are in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour to speed up the process. A cool bar is much easier to slice neatly.
Lastly, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. The amount of sugar in the filling can be modified based on how sweet your strawberries are. For example, if you are using very ripe, sweet summer berries, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly. On the other hand, if your berries are a bit tart, you might want to add an extra tablespoon. Tasting your filling as you cook it is a great way to get the flavor just right for your palate.
Fun Variations and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Once you have mastered the basic Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Furthermore, knowing how to store them properly will ensure you can enjoy your delicious creations for days.
Delicious Variations
- Try Different Fruits: This crumble recipe works wonderfully with other fruits. For instance, you could use a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries, or try seasonal fruits like peaches in the summer or apples in the fall.
- Add Some Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the crumble mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Go Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, mix in a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping before sprinkling it over the filling.
- Drizzle with Glaze: After the bars have cooled, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a little milk, and a drop of vanilla extract for an extra touch of sweetness. If you enjoy strawberry treats, you might also love these strawberry cheesecake cookies.
How to Store Your Bars
Proper storage is essential to keep your bars fresh. Once cooled completely, you can store the Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last a bit longer, storing them in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for up to a week. For long-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply cut them into individual squares, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave. For other delicious baked goods, check out this recipe for decadent chocolate banana bread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this recipe for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars is a must-try for anyone who loves a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat. With its buttery oatmeal crust and sweet, vibrant strawberry filling, it is sure to become a family favorite. The process is straightforward, using basic ingredients to create something truly special. As a result, you can confidently bake these bars for any occasion, from a quiet morning coffee to a bustling family gathering. Remember to let them cool completely for the neatest slices. We hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, eating these delightful Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars as much as we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You will know the bars are done when the crumble topping is a beautiful golden-brown color and the strawberry filling is visibly bubbling around the edges of the pan. The center should be set and not look wet or loose.
Can I make these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you certainly can. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure you are using certified gluten-free rolled oats. The results will be just as delicious. For any dietary changes, it is always a good idea to consult resources like the Mayo Clinic.
Can I use strawberry jam instead of making the filling from scratch?
While a homemade filling provides the best flavor and texture, you can use a high-quality strawberry jam or preserves in a pinch. Use about 1 to 1.5 cups of jam and spread it over the pre-baked crust before adding the crumble topping. Note that the final result may be sweeter than the original recipe.
Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?
The most common reason for crumble bars falling apart is not letting them cool completely before slicing. The buttery crust and jammy filling need time to set and firm up as they cool. Cutting them while warm will almost always result in a crumbly mess. Another reason could be not pressing the bottom crust down firmly enough in the pan.
