Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines wholesome oats with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberries, this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars are soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced between buttery crust and vibrant strawberry jam, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply craving something homemade and comforting, this recipe delivers every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe comes together from a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that golden appearance you’ll love. From the quick-cooking oats that add heartiness, to the luscious strawberry jam that creates a fruity centerpiece, every component is essential.

• 1 1/4 cups flour: Provides the structure needed for a sturdy yet tender bar base.
• 1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats: Adds chewy texture and wholesome goodness to every bite.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the bars just right without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Introduces a subtle caramel undertone and moisture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps lighten the crumb for a soft bite.
• 3/4 cup salted butter, melted: Brings rich flavor and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and depth.
• 1 cup strawberry jam: The star ingredient, bursting with fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, adding a sweet, silky finish on top.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Helps achieve a smooth glaze consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. While it’s warming up, line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick spray. This step ensures your bars come out cleanly and keeps cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, quick oats, sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder. Give everything a good mix so all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed — this base mixture is what holds your bars together and gives them that perfect texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla

Next, in a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until it’s crumbly but evenly moistened. This buttery mixture is heavenly already! Save about 1 1/2 cups of this oat mixture for the topping and set it aside.

Step 4: Form the Crust

Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You want a nice, even layer that acts as the base for your strawberry filling. Taking a little extra time here ensures a sturdy crust that won’t fall apart.

Step 5: Add the Strawberry Jam Layer

Gently spread the strawberry jam over the crust. Be careful to spread it softly so the crust stays intact — the jam is the sweet, fruity heart of this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe, so you want an even layer without disturbing the base too much.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Oat Topping

Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the layer of jam. This topping will bake into a golden, crisp, slightly crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft strawberry layer below.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake the bars uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the oat topping turns a lovely golden brown. The aroma of oats, butter, and strawberries filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely right in the pan. This step is key to letting everything set up perfectly — no one wants jam running everywhere when they slice!

Step 9: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars to add a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish that makes these bars feel like a little bit extra special.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices on top instantly elevates these bars, making them visually stunning and adding fresh, natural flavor. You can also add a few mint leaves for a pop of green and refreshing note.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially when served as a dessert. For breakfast, a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk rounds out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the bars on a wooden board with fresh berries scattered around, or cut into small squares and place them on pretty cupcake liners for a charming party treat. You can even stack bars with a layer of yogurt or cream cheese frosting between them for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain their perfect texture and flavor, making them an easy grab-and-go snack all week long.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, reheat leftover bars in the oven at 300 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes. This warms the strawberry filling slightly and crisps up the oat topping again. A quick zap in the microwave also works if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, using strawberry jam helps create a stable, spreadable layer that won’t make the bars soggy. If you want to use fresh fruit, try cooking it down into a thick compote before spreading.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The bars will still be just as tasty and perfect for those avoiding gluten.

How do I make the bars less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, especially in the crust mixture. Keep in mind the strawberry jam adds sweetness too, so if using a particularly sweet jam, adjusting sugar down can balance the flavors.

Can I substitute jam flavors?

Absolutely. Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam would all work beautifully and offer a new twist on this classic recipe.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumble?

Use a sharp knife and let the bars cool completely before slicing. For neat cuts, run the knife under hot water, dry it, and then slice — this prevents sticking and crumbling.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe is one of those wonderful, comforting treats that never fails to bring smiles. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for entertaining, made from ingredients that come together in a truly delicious way. Give these bars a try and share the joy they bring — I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!

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