4 Ingredient Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just four ingredients, these bars come together quickly and easily.

• Minimal Ingredients: Perfect for when you want something delicious without needing a bunch of complicated ingredients.

• Sweet and Satisfying: The combination of juicy strawberry filling and the buttery oat crust is irresistible.

• Versatile: You can easily modify the recipe with different fruits or toppings for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats

• ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves

• ½ cup butter, melted

• ½ cup flour

(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). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, melted butter, and flour. Mix well until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.

3. Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.

4. Spread the strawberry jam or preserves evenly over the crust layer.

5. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry jam, creating a crumbly topping.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry jam is bubbling.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 9-12 bars, depending on how you slice them.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Options: Swap out the strawberry jam for other fruit preserves such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor profile.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the oat mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

• Add Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute for regular butter to make these bars dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you will need to cook them down with sugar to create a similar jam-like consistency.

2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.

3. How can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make the bars gluten-free, simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

4. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

5. How can I make these bars sweeter?

If you like your bars sweeter, you can add a little more sugar to the oat mixture or increase the amount of jam used.

6. Can I use a different type of fat instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with coconut oil or another type of oil if you prefer.

7. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and the jam is bubbling around the edges.

8. Can I add other ingredients to the oat mixture?

You can experiment by adding ingredients like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the oat mixture for extra flavor.

9. Are these bars easy to pack for lunch or snacks?

Yes! These bars are portable and make for a great snack or lunchbox treat.

10. Can I use sugar-free jam?

Yes, you can use sugar-free jam if you're looking for a lower-sugar option for these bars.

Conclusion

These 4 Ingredient Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of simple ingredients and satisfying flavors. With their easy preparation, minimal ingredients, and endless possibilities for variations, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking rotation. Whether for a quick snack or a treat to share, these bars are both delicious and versatile!

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