If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines wholesome oats, luscious strawberries, and a touch of tropical coconut, you’ve just found your new favorite snack. This Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe offers a perfect balance of chewy texture and fruity sweetness that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you need a wholesome breakfast on the go or a charming dessert to share, these bars are simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes these bars irresistible. Let’s break down what you’ll need before jumping into the kitchen.
- Old-fashioned oats (¾ cups / 75 grams): They add that hearty, chewy texture that makes these bars hearty and wholesome.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cups / 90 grams): This acts as the base that holds everything together perfectly without overpowering the oats.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50 grams): Just enough sweetness to complement the tartness of the strawberries without being too sugary.
- Baking powder (¼ teaspoon / 1 gram): Helps the bars rise slightly for a tender crumb that’s not too dense.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness, making every bite pop.
- Salted butter (½ cup / 113 grams, melted): Adds richness and moisture to the bars, keeping them deliciously soft.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon / 4 grams): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Strawberry jam (⅓ cup / 113 grams): Acts as a sweet fruit layer that infuses the bars with concentrated strawberry goodness.
- Fresh strawberries (½ cup / 84 grams, diced): Adds vibrant color and fresh bursts of natural flavor.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (½ cup / 43 grams): Sprinkled on top for a delicate crunch and a hint of tropical sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix forms the foundation of your bars, balancing flavor and texture beautifully.
Step 2: Add Butter and Vanilla
Next, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly blended and the mixture has a slightly crumbly, moist texture. This is what will give your bars that irresistible richness and aroma.
Step 3: Set Aside a Portion of the Mixture
Measure out ½ cup of the crumbly mixture and set it aside; this will be used as a topping later. Press the remaining mixture evenly into an ungreased 8×8-inch baking dish, creating the crust that holds all your fruity layers.
Step 4: Pre-bake the Crust
Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it sets and becomes lightly golden. This initial bake ensures your bars have a sturdy base that isn’t soggy when you add the fruit toppings.
Step 5: Layer the Strawberry Jam and Fresh Fruit
Remove the crust from the oven and immediately spread the strawberry jam over it, reaching all the edges for consistent sweetness. Then sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries evenly atop the jam, adding fresh bursts of flavor and eye-catching color.
Step 6: Add Coconut Topping and Final Bake
Mix the reserved crumb mixture with shredded sweetened coconut and sprinkle it over the strawberry layer. It doesn’t have to cover every strawberry but should lightly blanket the top for toasted texture and tropical flair. Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the coconut turns a lovely light brown and the fruit layer bubbles enticingly.
Step 7: Cool and Cut Into Bars
Patience is key here! Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan, about an hour, before cutting. This step sets the layers firmly, ensuring each bar holds together perfectly—a crucial part for a clean slice and neat presentation.
How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bars with a fresh mint leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them extra special. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully for dessert occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. They also make a great companion to yogurt or a fruity smoothie for a balanced breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider arranging the bars on a rustic wooden board with whole strawberries and coconut flakes scattered around. Alternatively, serve the bars layered in parfait glasses with alternating layers of Greek yogurt and granola for a visually stunning twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; the flavors actually deepen as they rest. For longer freshness, refrigeration is a good option and will keep them good for about a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead snack to have on hand.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature or warm them up gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F until just heated through. This will help revive their fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice to avoid making the bars too soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute salted butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of sugar if desired, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a larger baking dish will work well. Just keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly.
What’s the best jam to use?
A high-quality strawberry jam with good fruit content works best to give a natural sweetness without artificial flavors.
Can I replace the shredded coconut?
Yes, toasted nuts like almonds or pecans are lovely alternatives if you prefer a different crunch or don’t have coconut on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe is truly a keeper for anyone who loves a treat that’s both comforting and fresh. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake but impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these bars again and again, whether for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet finish to your day!
Print
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a sweet strawberry jam and fresh strawberry filling, topped with toasted coconut for a delightful texture. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and bake, delivering a tasty treat that highlights fresh and vibrant strawberry flavors.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- ¾ cups old-fashioned oats (75 grams)
- ¾ cups all-purpose flour (90 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder (1 gram)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup salted butter, melted (113 grams, 1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (43 grams)
Filling
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam (113 grams)
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced (84 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt, mixing well for an even distribution of ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring thoroughly until you achieve a well-combined, crumbly batter.
- Prepare crust: Reserve ½ cup of the mixture for topping later. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust has set and is firm to the touch.
- Add the jam layer: Remove the crust from the oven, spoon the strawberry jam over it, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Add fresh strawberries: Sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries uniformly over the layer of strawberry jam.
- Create topping: Stir together the shredded coconut and the reserved crumb mixture, then sprinkle this mixture over the strawberries, covering them partially.
- Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the shredded coconut is lightly browned and the strawberries are bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely, about 1 hour, before cutting into 16 bars and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully melted but not hot to prevent cooking the dry ingredients prematurely.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly for a sturdy base that holds the filling well.
- Allow bars to cool completely to ensure clean cutting and optimal texture.
- You can substitute fresh blueberries or raspberries for the strawberries as a variation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
