Description
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars combine a buttery oat batter with a sweet, tangy strawberry filling for a delightful treat. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they offer a chewy texture with bursts of juicy strawberries, baked to golden perfection in just under an hour and a half.
Ingredients
Filling
- 10 oz chopped strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Oatmeal Batter
- 1 stick softened butter (1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make batter and filling: Begin by preparing both the filling and batter components for the bars to streamline the process.
- Prepare filling: Place the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and thicken. Once done, set the filling aside to cool while you prepare the next steps.
- Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with baking parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out after baking.
- Make oatmeal batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with both the light brown and white sugars until the mixture is creamy. Add the egg and vanilla bean paste and beat just until fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix. Evenly sprinkle the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt over the creamed mixture. Fold gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a stiff batter forms.
- Assemble bars – bottom layer: Spread two-thirds of the oatmeal batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing lightly to form an even layer.
- Assemble bars – top layer: Spoon the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the batter layer. Then distribute the remaining batter in small blobs across the top of the filling.
- Bake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the bars are set and the top turns golden brown. The bars will still feel slightly soft to the touch when done.
- Cool bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out for easier slicing.
- Serve: Slice the bars into 9 squares. Serve them warm for a softer texture (using forks is recommended), or at room temperature when they will have firmed up nicely.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easier to remove the bars from the pan without breaking.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.
- These bars are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a light dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
