Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Healthy and Tasty Snack

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Looking for a healthy and tasty snack? These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are your answer! Packed with fresh strawberries and wholesome ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a midday treat, these bars deliver both flavor and nutrition. Let’s dive into how you can whip up a batch and enjoy a delightful guilt-free snack!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Fruity: The strawberries add a delightful burst of flavor, making each bite a joy.
2. Nutritious Ingredients: Made with rolled oats and whole wheat flour, these bars are a wholesome treat packed with fiber.
3. Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
4. Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite fruits or sweeteners to make it your own!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup whole wheat flour

– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)

– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

To create these tasty strawberry oatmeal bars, gather the ingredients first. You need oats, flour, and brown sugar for the base. Baking soda helps it rise, while cinnamon adds flavor. Make sure you have salt to enhance all tastes.

For the wet part, melted coconut oil or butter gives richness. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness, and vanilla boosts flavor. Fresh strawberries are key for that fruity taste. Cornstarch thickens the strawberry filling, and lemon juice brightens it.

These ingredients blend well to create a healthy snack. They are perfect for breakfast or a treat. The bars are simple to make and full of flavor. Enjoy the process of putting them together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Preheating

– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it or using parchment paper.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

– In a large bowl, combine:

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup whole wheat flour

– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix these well until everything is blended.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

– In another bowl, combine:

– 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)

– 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk these together until smooth and creamy.

Combining Ingredients

– Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

– Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

Preparing Strawberry Filling

– In a small bowl, toss together:

– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix well to coat the strawberries evenly.

Assembling the Bars

– Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

– Spread the strawberry filling evenly on top of the oat base.

– Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries.

Baking

– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

– Remove from oven and let cool in the dish for about 15 minutes before slicing into bars.

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch the oats and flour if needed. For oats, use quinoa flakes or ground almonds. For flour, try almond flour or oat flour. These choices keep the bars tasty and healthy.

When it comes to sweeteners, you have options too. Instead of brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or agave syrup. Each will give a unique flavor to your bars.

Perfecting Texture and Flavor

Mix gently to keep your bars soft. Overmixing can make them tough and chewy. Stir until just combined for the best results.

Finding the right baking time is key. Keep an eye on your bars in the oven. They should bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling strawberries. This means they are ready!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your strawberry oatmeal bars warm for the best taste. You can drizzle honey on top for added sweetness. Fresh mint leaves make a nice garnish too.

Pair these bars with yogurt or ice cream for a fun treat. They also make a great addition to breakfast or a snack. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee!

Variations

Fruit Alternatives

You can switch the strawberries for other fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work great. You can also try peaches or apples when they are in season. Each fruit will give a new taste to your bars.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free oats and flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the bars. For vegan alternatives, replace honey with maple syrup. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter.

Flavor Enhancements

To make the bars even tastier, add nuts or seeds. Chopped almonds or walnuts boost crunch and flavor. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger. These will give your bars a warm and inviting taste.

Storage Info

Proper Cooling and Cutting

Let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up. After cooling, take the bars out. Use a sharp knife for cutting. Slice them into even squares.

Storage Recommendations

Store your bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Suggestions

If you want to enjoy your bars warm, you can reheat them. Place a bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This warms them without drying them out. Some people prefer them cold, and that’s okay too! Enjoy them however you like.

FAQs

Can I make these strawberry oatmeal bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge. I often whip up a batch on the weekend. This way, I have a healthy snack ready for busy weekdays.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown. You will also see the strawberries bubbling through the cracks. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first, and drain excess moisture. This helps keep the bars from becoming too soggy.

How long do the bars last and how should I store them?

These bars last about five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?

You can use maple syrup instead of honey. Agave nectar is another good option. Both will keep the bars sweet and tasty.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats. They may change the texture a bit. The bars will still taste great, but they might be softer.

These strawberry oatmeal bars are simple and fun to make. With easy steps and common ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty treat. Remember to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Feel free to mix in other fruits or nuts to make it your own. Store them well to keep their freshness. Making these bars can bring joy to your snacks. So grab your ingredients and start baking toda

Strawberry Bliss Oatmeal Bars

Delicious and healthy oatmeal bars filled with fresh strawberries, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
• 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by either greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for ease of removal later.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, packed brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix.
• In a small bowl, place the chopped strawberries, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure the strawberries are evenly coated with the cornstarch and lemon juice, which will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
• Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid base layer. Top this with the strawberry mixture, spreading it evenly across the oat base.
• Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries, ensuring it covers the topping uniformly.
• Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling joyfully through the cracks.
• Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

Serve the bars slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. Consider drizzling a touch of honey on top and garnishing with fresh mint leaves.

Keyword healthy snack, oatmeal bars, strawberry

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