Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars are a deliciously wholesome treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with fresh strawberries, almond flour, and rolled oats, they offer natural sweetness and a satisfying texture without refined sugars.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, fully defrosted and drained)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
- A pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the strawberries release a lot of liquid. Stir in tapioca starch and simmer for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Add 1/2 cup maple syrup, solid coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Combine well, using your hands or a spoon to break up any clumps.
- Step 4: Set aside about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of this oat mixture. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 5: Spread the strawberry filling over the pressed oatmeal layer evenly. Then, crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top with your hands.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges turn slightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available, but make sure to fully defrost and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy bars.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking.
- Swap maple syrup for honey if preferred, but note this changes the flavor slightly.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure coconut oil is used instead of butter and that oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave for a warm treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the fruit is very juicy.
Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?
They can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rolled oats and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be certain.
PrintHealthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars Recipe
These Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars are a delightful and nutritious treat combining a naturally sweetened strawberry filling with a wholesome oat and almond flour crust. Perfect for a snack or a healthy dessert, they use simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and coconut oil to create a naturally gluten-free, dairy-free bar that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars (3×3 grid) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Strawberry Filling
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, fully defrosted and drained)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon zest
- A pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
Oatmeal Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Filling: In a small pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries release a lot of liquid. Stir in tapioca starch and simmer for another minute to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of bars later.
- Make Oatmeal Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir to mix. Add the 1/2 cup maple syrup, solid coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Mix well, using your hands or a spoon to break up any clumps and evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble Bars: Reserve about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oatmeal mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the lined baking dish to form the base layer. Spoon the strawberry filling over this base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the strawberry layer, gently pressing it down with your hands.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results use fresh strawberries, but frozen berries can be used if fully defrosted and drained of excess liquid.
- You can substitute tapioca starch with cornstarch if needed.
- Coconut oil must be solid at room temperature for the right texture in the crust.
- These bars keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a vegan option, ensure your maple syrup brand is vegan certified.
Keywords: Healthy Oatmeal Bars, Strawberry Bars, Gluten Free Dessert, Maple Syrup Sweetened Bars, Vegan Dessert Option, Almond Flour Bars
