Description
Soft and wholesome strawberry oatmeal bars made with rolled oats, fresh strawberries, and a lightly sweetened oat crumble. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthier dessert option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking the bars evenly.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 20 cm (8-inch) square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt to create the oat base mixture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until a crumbly dough forms that holds together when pressed.
- Press Base: Firmly press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating the base layer for the bars.
- Prepare Strawberry Mixture: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped fresh strawberries with chia seeds and lemon juice to enhance flavor and add texture.
- Layer Strawberries: Spread the strawberry and chia seed mixture evenly over the pressed oat base in the pan.
- Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer to form a lightly scattered topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars to ensure they hold together well.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used; thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- For a mixed-berry version, try adding blueberries or raspberries alongside the strawberries.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- To make gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
