Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars with a buttery oat crust, sweet strawberry jam filling, and a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the bright flavor of strawberries in a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, quick cooking oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: In a small bowl, mix the melted salted butter and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this oat mixture for the topping.
- Form the Crust: Press the remaining oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Spread Strawberry Jam: Gently spread the strawberry jam evenly over the crust, taking care not to disturb or break the crust layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the jam layer evenly to create the top crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crunchy.
- Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Quick oats are preferred for a tender texture, but old-fashioned oats can be used for a chewier consistency.
- You can substitute any fruit jam of your choice if you want to change the flavor.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
