Description
Delicious homemade Strawberry Oatmeal Bars featuring a sweet and tangy strawberry filling layered between a buttery oatmeal crust. These bars combine the heartiness of old-fashioned oats with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or snack time.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Filling
- 10 oz chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Oatmeal Batter
- 1 stick softened butter (1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare filling: Place all ingredients for the strawberry filling (chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the berries to release their juices and the filling to thicken slightly. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the batter.
- Prep the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with baking parchment, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make oatmeal batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until fully incorporated. Sprinkle the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt evenly over the creamed mixture. Fold these dry ingredients in gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a stiff batter forms.
- Assemble bars: Spread two-thirds of the oatmeal batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base layer. Spoon and spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the batter. Scatter the remaining batter in blobs over the top of the strawberry filling to create a rustic layered look.
- Bake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the bars are set and the top is golden brown. The bars will still feel soft in the center when done. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting out using the parchment overhang and slicing into 9 bars.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right batter texture.
- The bars will be soft when warm but will firm up as they cool; allow them to cool fully before slicing.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend shelf life up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
