Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
There's something irresistible about the combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a rich, buttery oat crumble. Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, chewy and crisp, and they make a delightful snack or dessert. These bars are not only delicious but are also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're craving a comforting breakfast, a picnic treat, or a dessert to share with family and friends, these bars are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- for the strawberry filling
- 2 cupsfresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoonsgranulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoonlemon juice
- 1 tablespooncornstarch (to thicken)
- ½ teaspoonvanilla extract
- for the oatmeal crust and crumble
- 1 ½ cupsold-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cupall-purpose flour
- ½ cuplight brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoonbaking powder
- ¼ teaspoonsalt
- ½ teaspoonground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
- ½ cupunsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- ¼ cuphoney or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- ½ teaspoonvanilla extract
Directions
- 1
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar (or honey), lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the crumble base and topping.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- 6
Add the cold butter cubes and, using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- 7
Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup (if using), mixing just until combined. You should have a nice, crumbly dough.
- 8
Take about 2/3 of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base.
- 9
Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the oatmeal base, spreading it evenly.
- 10
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the strawberry filling, gently pressing it down to form a nice topping.
- 11
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- 12
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the crumble top — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- 13
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools.
- 14
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and slice into squares or rectangles.