Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect mix of sweet and chewy with a fresh berry twist. They have a crunchy oat topping and a soft, jammy strawberry center that makes…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect mix of sweet and chewy with a fresh berry twist. They have a crunchy oat topping and a soft, jammy strawberry center that makes every bite feel like a little treat. These bars bring together the best of oatmeal cookies and fruity jam bars in one neat, easy-to-handle square.
I love making these bars because they remind me of homemade snacks from childhood—simple, wholesome, and made with love. Plus, they’re easy to whip up when I want something not too sweet but still satisfying. I usually use fresh strawberries when they’re in season, but frozen works just fine too, and the oatmeal crust adds such a nice texture that balances the juicy fruit perfectly.
These bars are great as an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick breakfast on the go. I like to pack them for picnics or share them with friends during coffee time. They store well, so I often make a big batch to have around for whenever a sweet craving hits. Honestly, they’re one of those recipes that everyone seems to enjoy, and I’m pretty sure that’s because you get the cozy goodness of oats paired with that bright, fresh strawberry flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better. Melted butter gives these bars a chewy, rich texture. If needed, you can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a mild caramel flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, try light brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These give the bars a chewy texture and hearty bite. Avoid quick oats as they can make the bars too soft and less chewy.
Strawberry Jam and Fresh Strawberries: Jam gives sweetness and stickiness, while fresh berries add bursts of freshness. Raspberry or blueberry jam works well too, and fresh berries can be mixed or swapped.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crumbly Dough and Layer It Right?
Mixing the dry and wet ingredients until just combined helps keep the dough crumbly but sticky enough to hold together. Here’s how:
- Combine dry ingredients separately to distribute baking powder and salt evenly.
- Stir dry ingredients gradually into wet to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the pan to form a solid base.
- After spreading jam and berries, gently crumble and sprinkle the remaining dough on top, leaving small gaps for a nice rustic look and texture.
This layering prevents the bars from being too dense and lets you get a good mix of textures in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for these bars and easy to line with parchment for lifting out.
- Parchment paper – makes removing the bars cleaner and easier without sticking.
- Large mixing bowl – gives you plenty of room to mix your wet ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs, sugar, and butter quickly for a smooth base.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for folding in the oats and flour without overmixing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot jam to change the fruity taste.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Stir in cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the dry mix for warm spice notes.
- Mix dried cranberries or raisins into the dough for extra chewy sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, which takes around 20 minutes. So, plan for about an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving extra on the edges for easy removal later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is fully blended.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
4. Make the Dough
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until you get crumbly, slightly sticky dough.
5. Assemble the Layers
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan; this will be the base of your bars. Then spread the strawberry jam evenly over this layer. Sprinkle the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the jam. Finally, crumble the remaining dough over the top, pressing down gently but leaving some gaps for a charming rustic look.
6. Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
7. Store and Enjoy
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer. Enjoy your chewy, fruity snack any time!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the bars soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding on top of the jam layer.
Can I Substitute the Strawberry Jam?
Absolutely! Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam work equally well and give a nice twist to the flavor. Just use the same amount to maintain the right sweetness and texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, and bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can These Bars Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Also, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the bars safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
