Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat with a buttery oat crust, a layer of sweet strawberry filling, and a crumbly topping. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether using fresh or jammy strawberries, these bars are bursting with fruity flavor and comforting texture.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

old-fashioned rolled oatsall-purpose flourbrown sugarsaltbaking powderunsalted buttervanilla extractfresh strawberries or strawberry jamlemon juicecornstarch (if using fresh strawberries)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

If using fresh strawberries, chop and mix them with lemon juice, a little sugar, and cornstarch to thicken.

Spread the strawberry mixture or jam evenly over the crust.

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top as a crumb topping.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9–12 bars.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30–35 minutesCooling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the topping for extra texture.

Use mixed berry jam for a twist on flavor.

Add a cinnamon pinch to the crust for warmth.

Drizzle with white chocolate or glaze once cooled.

Use gluten-free oats and flour to make it gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy cold or slightly warmed.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats?

Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.

What’s the best filling—fresh strawberries or jam?

Both work well! Jam gives a gooey center, while fresh strawberries offer a chunky, fruit-forward bite.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter alternative to make them dairy-free.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not required, but it helps them last longer and stay firm.

How do I make them less sweet?

Reduce the sugar slightly in the crust or use a low-sugar jam.

Can I add chia seeds to the filling?

Yes, especially with fresh strawberries—they help thicken naturally.

What’s the best way to cut clean bars?

Chill them first, then slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.

Can I serve these warm?

Yes, slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is delicious.

Are these suitable for breakfast?

Yes, they’re hearty enough with oats and fruit for a breakfast bar.

Conclusion

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crumbly. They’re simple to make, easy to store, and endlessly adaptable with your favorite berries or add-ins. Whether for a cozy snack, quick breakfast, or delightful dessert, these bars deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.