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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup honey - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 and 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch When making strawberry oatmeal bars, I always start with fresh ingredients. The oats and flour form the base, while the butter adds richness. Brown sugar gives a nice sweetness, and it melts beautifully. Baking soda and salt balance the flavors. I love using ripe strawberries for their sweet taste. The lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a zing. Cornstarch helps thicken the strawberry filling, keeping it from being too runny. If you want to try something different, consider using gluten-free oats or almond flour. These swaps keep the bars tasty for those with dietary needs. Each serving has about 150 calories. You get fiber from the oats and strawberries. They also offer a bit of protein to keep you full. The sugar comes mainly from the brown sugar and honey, but it’s balanced by the fruit. You can easily make these bars gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. If you want to reduce sugar, you might use maple syrup instead of honey or a sugar substitute. These changes help fit different diets while keeping the bars delicious. For more details, check the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 3. In a large bowl, combine: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix these dry ingredients well. Make sure there are no lumps. 4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup honey - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Use your fingers or a fork to blend until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside about 1 cup of this mix for topping later. 5. In a separate bowl, toss: - 1 and 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch This step enhances the flavor and stops the strawberries from getting too watery when baking. 6. Spread the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Press it down firmly to create a solid base. 7. Pour the strawberry mixture over the pressed oat layer. Distribute the strawberries evenly across the surface. 8. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the strawberries. Make sure it covers the filling well. 9. Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling strawberries. After baking, let the dish cool for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the block of bars out. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. For a full recipe, visit the article. How to check for doneness: To see if your bars are done, look for a golden top. You can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Optimal cooling methods: Let the bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using parchment paper. Transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them cool evenly and prevents sogginess. Ideal pairings: These strawberry oatmeal bars shine when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess complements the fruity filling well. Storage tips for leftovers: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about five days. What to do if bars are too crumbly: If your bars are too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted butter. This will help bind the mixture better. You can also press the base layer down firmer next time. Fixing overly watery strawberry filling: To fix a watery filling, make sure to toss the strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice before baking. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps your bars from getting soggy. {{image_4}} You can make these strawberry oatmeal bars even better. Try adding nuts or seeds. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds give a nice crunch. You can also swap strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries and raspberries work well too. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor! If you follow a vegan diet, you can adjust this recipe. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. For low-sugar options, use less brown sugar or a sugar substitute. They will still taste great without all the sugar! Think about the occasion when you make these bars. For Thanksgiving, add a touch of cinnamon to the mix. It gives a warm, cozy flavor. If you want to make these bars kid-friendly, cut them into small bites. Little hands love fun shapes! To store your strawberry oatmeal bars in the refrigerator, first, allow them to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can separate layers with parchment paper. This helps keep them fresh and prevents sticking. These bars will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Enjoy them cold or warmed up for a yummy treat! For long-term storage, you can freeze your strawberry oatmeal bars. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn. Your bars can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw the bars correctly, take them out of the freezer and remove the plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The best before date for these bars is about one week if stored in the fridge. If frozen, they are best enjoyed within three months for optimal taste. To keep track, label your container with the date you made them. This way, you’ll always know when to enjoy your tasty strawberry oatmeal bars fresh! Strawberry oatmeal bars stay fresh for about four to five days in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to lock in moisture. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before putting them in a freezer-safe bag. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. They work well in this recipe. Just remember to thaw them and drain any extra liquid before mixing them in. This helps keep your bars from getting too soggy. Fresh strawberries add a great taste and texture, but frozen ones are a good option when fresh ones are not available. These bars are tasty on their own, but you can make them even better. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. Whipped cream adds a nice touch, too. You can sprinkle some chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey on top for extra flavor. Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a perfect snack! These strawberry oatmeal bars blend simple ingredients for a tasty treat. We covered ingredient lists, prep steps, and tips to make them perfect. Remember to adjust for dietary needs with substitutions. These easy-to-make bars store well and suit any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving them fresh, warm, or cold. With these bars, you can delight friends and family anytime.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Strawberry Oatmeal Delight Bars! These easy-to-make bars blend rolled oats, fresh strawberries, and a hint of honey for a perfect sweet treat. With a crumbly oat base and a luscious strawberry filling, they’re a fantastic snack or dessert for any occasion. Ready in just 50 minutes, they’re irresistible! Click through for the full recipe and enjoy baking these delightful bars at home!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 and 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined and no lumps remain.

      Next, add the softened butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Use your fingers or a fork to thoroughly blend these wet ingredients into the dry mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. Make sure to set aside about 1 cup of this mix for topping later on.

        In a separate bowl, gently toss the chopped strawberries with the lemon juice and cornstarch. This helps to enhance their flavor and prevent them from becoming too watery during baking.

          Spread the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to create a solid base layer.

            Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the pressed oat layer, distributing the strawberries evenly across the surface.

              Finish by crumbling the reserved oat mixture over the strawberries, ensuring it adequately covers the entire filling for a delightful texture.

                Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling pleasantly.

                  After baking, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for about 15 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper, lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 9 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful touch, arrange the cooled bars on a decorative plate. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate this sweet treat!