Indulging in a warm, gooey strawberry oatmeal bar, fresh from the oven, is like getting a hug from your grandma—if your grandma were a master baker. Picture this: the sweet scent of ripe strawberries mingling with the wholesome aroma of baked oats, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge. Each bite offers a delightful chewiness with a burst of fruity sweetness that dances on your palate, making it impossible to resist just one more piece.
I remember the first time I made these strawberry oatmeal bars. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and my kitchen turned into a mini bakery. My friends gathered around, drawn in by that magical aroma. We devoured them within minutes, laughing and wiping crumbs off our faces as we savored every last morsel. These bars are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack and will surely become a cherished recipe in your home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Strawberry oatmeal bars are simple to make, bringing joy to both novice and expert bakers alike
- Their delightful flavor combines the sweetness of strawberries with wholesome oats for guilt-free indulgence
- With their vibrant colors, these bars are visually enticing and perfect for any occasion
- They’re versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or a dessert treat any time of day
One memorable afternoon, my best friend took one bite and exclaimed it was the best thing she had ever tasted!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewy texture; quick oats will turn mushy.
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Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; frozen can work too if thawed properly.
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Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness; feel free to substitute with honey or agave syrup if needed.
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Almond Flour: This adds nutty flavor but can be replaced with all-purpose flour if preferred.
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Coconut Oil: Opt for refined coconut oil for less coconut flavor; melted butter is a good alternative.
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Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors without making it salty.
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Cinnamon: A dash adds warmth and depth; adjust according to your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or coconut oil.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed; you want all those dry ingredients playing nicely together.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in melted coconut oil and maple syrup into the dry mix. Stir until everything is moistened—think of it as giving your mixture a nice spa day!
Incorporate Strawberries: Gently fold in chopped strawberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be careful not to crush them too much; you want those juicy bites intact!
Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Press down gently—this helps them hold their shape while baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the middle. When you pull them out, let them cool slightly before cutting—a little patience goes a long way here!
Now you have delicious strawberry oatmeal bars that will charm anyone who takes a bite! Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature—they’re delightful either way!
You Must Know
- Strawberry oatmeal bars are not just a treat; they can be a breakfast staple
- These bars are easy to make, nutritious, and bursting with flavor
- The combination of oats and sweet strawberries creates a delightful snack for any time of day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect strawberry oatmeal bars, start by mixing dry ingredients first. Then, combine wet ingredients separately before blending all together. This ensures even distribution of flavors and textures throughout your bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different twist. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste, making each batch unique to your preference.
Storing & Reheating
Store your strawberry oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for a month. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get the best strawberry flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries that are in season
- If using frozen berries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before adding them to the mixture
- Adjust sweetness based on personal preference but remember that strawberries can vary in sweetness!
Sharing my first attempt at making strawberry oatmeal bars was quite an adventure! My friends devoured them while I meticulously noted every change I’d make next time.
FAQ
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats work, but rolled oats provide better texture and chewiness.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Bake until golden brown edges form and a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the center.
Can these bars be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade strawberry oatmeal bars. These warm, gooey treats combine fresh strawberries and wholesome oats, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness in every bite. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, these bars are not only easy to make but also nutritious, making them a must-try recipe for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine melted coconut oil and maple syrup in another bowl before adding to the dry ingredients. Mix until moistened.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and press down lightly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow cooling slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
