Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion! These bars combine a buttery oat crumble with a luscious strawberry filling that’s bursting with fresh flavor. They are simple to make and are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- How to Make Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Tips for Making Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Reheating Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars related recipes next!
- Raspberry Crumble Bars
- Peach Oat Bars
- Blackberry Crumble Bars
- Mango Oat Crumble
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make. These strawberry oat crumble bars come together in just a few simple steps, making them a fantastic treat for both experienced bakers and kitchen novices.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors. The combination of sweet strawberries and buttery oat crumble creates a delightful contrast that is sure to please your palate.
- Versatile Treat. These bars are perfect for summer picnics, school lunches, or as an after-dinner dessert!
Ingredients for Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient! Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. You can also substitute with other berries if desired.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the oat crumble mix.
- Rolled Oats: For a hearty texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats may also work but will yield a different texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient for binding the crumble layers together. You may use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for a clean flavor; this ingredient helps to create rich and crumbly layers.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors of the strawberries and oat crumble.
- Vanilla Extract: For added flavor depth, it complements the strawberries beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Melt the butter and stir into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Reserve half of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the other half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish evenly.
- In a separate bowl, toss fresh strawberries with vanilla extract and spread them over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips for Making Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Use Ripe Strawberries: The sweeter and more flavorful your strawberries are, the better your bars will taste.
- Let it Sit: Allowing the bars to cool in the baking dish helps them set properly, making cutting easier.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the crumble mixture and press into the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance, then add the strawberry filling and bake just before serving.
- Cut the cooled bars and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry oat crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Reheat bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through, or enjoy them cold!
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The edges will turn golden brown, and you should see bubbling from the strawberry filling.
Can I substitute the sugar with honey?
Yes, honey can be used as a sweetener, but it will alter the texture slightly.
How should I cut the bars for serving?
After cooling completely, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles as desired.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure oats are labeled gluten-free.
