Healthy 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 (3x3 grid) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
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
Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/healthy-oatmeal-strawberry-bars-recipe/
