Description
Buttery, oat-infused bars with a sweet-tart strawberry filling—these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars are the ultimate comfort treat. With a crisp, golden oat topping and a tender, flavorful base, they’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Naturally dairy-free and easy to make, these bars highlight fresh strawberries for a seasonal, portable delight.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
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1 ½ cups (135 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
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1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier texture)
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½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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⅛ tsp salt
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10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
For the Strawberry Filling:
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2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, chopped
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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2 tsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
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Make Crust & Topping: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter (or coconut oil) and stir until mixture resembles wet sand with some clumps. Reserve about ¾ cup for the topping.
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Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, mix chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.
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Assemble Bars: Press remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of prepared pan to form the crust. Spread strawberry filling evenly on top, then sprinkle reserved oat mixture over the filling, pressing lightly.
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Bake: Bake 40–45 minutes, until top is golden brown and filling bubbles at the edges.
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Cool & Slice: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Notes
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a better texture; quick oats make a softer crust.
Fresh, in-season strawberries give the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
For a crunchier topping, bake a few minutes longer, watching to prevent burning.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg