These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, crispy, and fruity. With a sweet strawberry filling sandwiched between a golden oat crumble, they make an irresistible snack or dessert. They’re easy to prepare and use simple ingredients, making them a great choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses fresh, seasonal strawberries for a naturally sweet filling
- Buttery oat crust and crumble topping add delicious texture
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Can be served as a dessert or snack
- Perfect for meal prep and easy to store
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- all-purpose flour
- old-fashioned rolled oats
- granulated sugar
- light brown sugar
- ground cinnamon
- salt
- unsalted butter, melted
- fresh strawberries, diced
- cornstarch
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, ¾ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture over the top of the strawberries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the overhang. Slice into squares or bars and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 210 kcal per bar
Variations
- Mixed Berries: Swap half of the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy boost.
- Maple Sweetened: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual bars in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I prevent the crumble topping from getting too dry?
Make sure to use enough melted butter in the mixture and press some of it slightly into the strawberry layer before baking.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
Do I have to use cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch helps thicken the strawberry filling, but you can use arrowroot powder or flour as a substitute.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative instead of regular butter.
How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce the granulated sugar in both the crust and filling, or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Chill the bars before slicing and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
While they can be stored at room temperature for a short period, refrigeration helps keep them fresher for longer.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze would add a nice touch of sweetness.
How do I serve these bars?
They’re great on their own but can also be paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are an easy, delicious way to enjoy fresh strawberries in a buttery, crumbly dessert. Whether you’re making them for a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite!
Print
Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A buttery oatmeal crust, layered with sweet strawberry filling and topped with a golden crumble—these bars are the perfect fruity treat for any season! Easy to make, deliciously soft, and bursting with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease.
2️⃣ Prepare the crust & crumble: In a large bowl, mix together flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
3️⃣ Form the crust: Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a solid crust.
4️⃣ Make the filling: In another bowl, toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Mix well until the strawberries are coated.
5️⃣ Assemble: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture over the top.
6️⃣ Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve: Allow bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
