Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a simple, delicious treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the hearty texture of oats. These bars are soft yet chewy, with a slightly crumbly oat crust that holds a bright, fruity strawberry filling. They remind me of a fresh baked jam bar but with a wholesome twist thanks to the oats.
I love making these bars when strawberries are in season because the flavor feels so fresh and vibrant. What’s great is that they’re easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing or packing in a lunchbox. I usually bake them in a pan and let them cool just enough so the filling sets but still stays soft and gooey — it’s the perfect balance!
These bars work well as a quick breakfast snack or a little sweet bite with afternoon tea or coffee. Whenever I make them, everyone seems to enjoy the nice mix of chewy oats and juicy strawberries. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to use up ripe strawberries and oats you may already have in your kitchen. I’m sure you’ll find yourself eating more than one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the oat mixture. You can swap it for coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but it may change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: This gives moisture and a nice caramel hint. If you want less sweetness, use half brown and half white sugar or try coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats are best here because they hold texture well. Quick oats can be used but the bars might be less chewy.
Strawberry Jam: Choose a good-quality jam for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries are in season, you can warm and mash them with a bit of sugar to make your own topping.
How Do You Get the Right Texture in These Bars?
The key is balancing the dry oat mix with wet ingredients. The mix should be crumbly but stick together when pressed—this keeps the bars chewy yet firm.
- Mix wet ingredients smoothly before adding dry to avoid overworking the batter.
- Press the base layer firmly into the pan for a compact bottom.
- Don’t press the topping layer; just crumble it gently for a nice, crunchy finish.
- Bake until the top turns golden brown and the jam bubbles to know it’s done.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking pan – perfect size to get even bars; the sides help shape them nicely.
- Parchment paper – makes lifting bars out easy and keeps the pan clean.
- Large mixing bowls – you’ll need one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Whisk – helps blend butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla smoothly.
- Spoon or spatula – useful for mixing the oat mixture and spreading the jam layer evenly.
- Wire rack – lets the bars cool completely without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture for crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot preserves to change up the fruity taste.
- Mix in some shredded coconut to the oat base for a tropical twist.
- Stir a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for warm spice notes.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups strawberry jam or preserves
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 20-30 minutes for the bars to cool before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides to make lifting the bars out easier once baked.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until everything is fully combined and creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. This keeps your dry ingredients evenly mixed.
4. Make the Oat Mixture:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should stick together a bit when pressed.
5. Build the Bars:
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base. Then spread the strawberry jam evenly over the base layer. Finally, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top to cover the jam.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the jam bubbles. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh strawberry slices if you like. Enjoy your delicious, chewy strawberry oatmeal bars!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Jam?
While fresh or frozen strawberries can be delicious, for this recipe, jam or preserves work best to hold the layers together. If using frozen fruit, cook it down with some sugar until thickened before spreading.
How Should I Store Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Yes! You can swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter to make the bars dairy-free. Keep the quantity the same, and melt it before mixing with sugar.
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, white granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses works well as a substitute. Alternatively, coconut sugar adds a nice caramel flavor.
