Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything you want in a dessert—sweet, crumbly, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. The buttery crust and topping blend together seamlessly, while the juicy strawberry filling adds a burst of refreshing sweetness. With only 10 minutes of prep, these bars come together quickly and make for an irresistible snack. Whether you're serving them at a party, for a family gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time!

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Strawberry Layer

• 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray; this will make cleanup easier.

2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute on high.

3. Add the flour, oats, sugars, and optional salt to the bowl with the butter. Stir to combine; the mixture should be dry and sandy, with some larger, well-formed crumble pieces.

4. Set aside 1 heaping cup of the mixture to be used as a crumble topping later.

5. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, packing it down firmly with a spatula or your fingers to form an even, smooth crust.

6. For the strawberry layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss gently to combine. (If the sugar doesn’t dissolve fully, that's okay— it will liquefy while baking.)

7. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.

8. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. For bigger crumble pieces, squeeze the mixture in your palm before sprinkling it on top.

9. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set, the center is firm, and the crumble topping is golden. If the strawberries are especially juicy, it may take 55 minutes. Watch for the filling to bubble along the edges.

10. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cutting them while they’re still hot will result in a messy, crumbly situation.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 bars

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Additional Time: 1 hour (cooling)

• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Fruit Swap: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries in place of strawberries for a different fruity twist.

• Add-ins: For extra flavor, stir in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumble topping.

• Spices: You can enhance the flavor by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the crumble mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

• Refrigerator: They’ll last up to 10 days in the fridge when stored properly.

• Freezer: To keep them longer, freeze the bars for up to 6 months. Simply thaw before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the bars gluten-free.

3. How do I prevent the crumble topping from burning?

Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even maple syrup instead of white sugar for a different flavor profile.

5. How can I make the bars more crispy?

For a crunchier texture, try adding a bit of extra oats to the crumble topping, or bake for a few extra minutes.

6. What is the best way to cut these bars?

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold together and don’t fall apart.

7. Can I add lemon zest to the strawberry layer?

Yes, adding some lemon zest will give the strawberry filling a more pronounced citrus flavor.

8. How can I make the crust more buttery?

You can add a little more butter to the crust mixture if you prefer a richer flavor.

9. Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?

To make these bars vegan, use dairy-free butter and a plant-based egg substitute for the cornstarch if needed.

10. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

It’s best to use old-fashioned oats because quick oats are finer and may cause the mixture to become too dry.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that will impress everyone. With a buttery crust that doubles as the crumble topping and a juicy strawberry filling, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon treat or serve them at a gathering, these bars will undoubtedly become a new favorite.

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These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delicious balance of buttery sweetness and fruity freshness, with a buttery crust that doubles as a crumble topping and a refreshing strawberry filling.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 9 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup old-fashioned oats

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries

⅓ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute on high.
3. Add the flour, oats, sugars, and optional salt to the bowl with the butter. Stir to combine until the mixture is dry and sandy, with some larger crumble pieces.
4. Set aside 1 heaping cup of the mixture to be used as a crumble topping later.
5. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even, smooth crust.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss gently to combine.
7. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
8. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the strawberry layer, squeezing it in your palm for bigger crumble pieces.
9. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the topping is golden. If strawberries are juicy, it may take up to 55 minutes.
10. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

• Try using different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra flavor.
• Enhance the flavor by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the crumble mixture.
• If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.
• For extra crunch, add more oats to the crumble topping or bake a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg