These buttery Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of fresh strawberries and a crumbly oatmeal topping. They are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, a snack, or a lighter dessert, these bars are a perfect choice. With just 10 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy these tasty bars in no time!
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Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
This recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys fruity desserts with a cozy, comforting vibe. The strawberry filling is perfectly balanced with the slightly sweet, chewy oatmeal crumble. What makes these bars stand out is how easy they are to make. There’s no need for a mixer or complicated steps, just mix everything in one bowl, and you’re good to go. Plus, they’re not overly sweet, which makes them an excellent choice for a breakfast or snack that feels indulgent yet light.
Ingredients for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
To make these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the crust and crumble topping.
- All-purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crust and crumble, giving the bars structure.
- Old-fashioned Oats: Contributes a chewy texture and hearty flavor to the crumble topping.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars, balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the oats.
- Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the bars, making them taste more balanced.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient! They provide a juicy, sweet-tart filling.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty note to the strawberry filling.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the strawberry mixture, preventing it from becoming too runny.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing some ingredients or need substitutions, consider these alternatives:
- Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version of the bars.
- All-purpose Flour: Try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Old-fashioned Oats: If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, quick oats can be used, though they may result in a slightly finer texture.
- Strawberries: Feel free to swap out strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry medley to give your bars a different flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Crumble: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly, sandy texture.
- Form the Crust: Take one cup of the crumble mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir to combine, ensuring the strawberries are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping on top of the strawberries, pressing it lightly to form larger clumps.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbly around the edges. Check doneness by watching for the edges to set and the center to firm up.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. If you cut them too early, they might fall apart due to the juicy strawberry filling.
Tips & Tricks
- Let the Bars Cool: It’s important to let the bars cool completely before slicing. Cutting them too soon can cause them to be messy and fall apart.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your bars sweeter, feel free to increase the sugar in the strawberry filling.
- Texture Tip: If you want your oatmeal crumble topping to be extra crispy, consider baking the bars for a few extra minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning the edges.
- Storage: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to one week. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to 6 months.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are versatile and pair well with various accompaniments:
- Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert.
- Make a Double Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd or want extra bars to snack on, simply double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Add a Spice Twist: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Healthy Variations
For a healthier twist on this classic recipe, you can:
- Reduce the Sugar: Use less sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Use Low-Fat Butter: Opt for a lower-fat butter alternative or use a plant-based butter to make these bars a bit lighter.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily create a batch of Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert. These bars offer a great balance of flavors and textures, and their easy preparation makes them a crowd-pleaser every time!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and hearty. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy these scrumptious bars in less than two hours. The combination of a buttery, crumbly oat topping with fresh strawberries makes each bite irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be adapted for different fruits or dietary preferences, ensuring they remain a family favorite year-round.
Give these bars a try, and they’ll soon become a go-to recipe in your dessert or snack rotation. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, the flavor and texture will remain satisfying. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for this recipe. However, keep in mind that frozen strawberries tend to release more juice than fresh ones, which may result in a slightly wetter filling. To avoid overly soggy bars, you can reduce the baking time or adjust the amount of cornstarch to ensure the filling thickens properly.
Can I make these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars store very well and can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. Be aware that the crumble topping may soften as time passes.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from becoming too dry?
To avoid a dry topping, be sure to measure your dry ingredients accurately and ensure the butter is melted properly. If the mixture seems too dry, adding a little extra melted butter will help achieve the right crumbly texture. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs rather than a powder.
More Relevant Recipes
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Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1h
Description
These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of fresh strawberries and a crumbly oatmeal topping. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a lighter dessert. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients. The buttery, crumbly texture of the topping pairs beautifully with the juicy, sweet-tart strawberries, making this treat a hit for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray for easy removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly, sandy texture.
- Take one cup of the crumble mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir to combine, ensuring the strawberries are evenly coated.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping on top of the strawberries, pressing it lightly to form larger clumps.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbly around the edges. Check doneness by watching for the edges to set and the center to firm up.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. If you cut them too early, they might fall apart due to the juicy strawberry filling.
Notes
- If you want a sweeter version, feel free to increase the sugar in the strawberry filling.
- If using frozen strawberries, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid sogginess.
- For a crispy topping, bake the bars for a few extra minutes, but watch them carefully to avoid burning the edges.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerated for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 122mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
