Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with fresh strawberries and wholesome oats, they offer a naturally sweet and satisfying flavor without any refined sugars.

Ingredients

• Strawberry Layer:
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, defrosted and drained)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
• Oatmeal Layers:
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries release a lot of their juice. Stir in tapioca starch and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add the maple syrup, coconut oil, and lemon juice. Use your hands or a spoon to combine, breaking up any clumps.
4. Step 4: Set aside about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oatmeal mixture. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the pressed oatmeal layer.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the strawberry layer, breaking it up by hand to cover evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen strawberries in the off-season, but be sure to drain any excess liquid for best texture.
• Swap almond flour for oat flour if you prefer a more oat-forward flavor.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oatmeal mixture.
• Adjust the lemon zest and juice to taste for more brightness.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—wrap bars individually or in a batch container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a convenient snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?

Yes, fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work well as substitutions. Just adjust cooking time if needed to reduce excess moisture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats. Otherwise, the recipe is naturally free from gluten-containing ingredients.

Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 761 reviews

These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of fresh strawberry filling layered between wholesome oat and almond flour crusts. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and brightened with lemon juice and zest, these bars offer a gluten-free and nourishing snack or breakfast option. The strawberry layer simmers gently to concentrate flavors while the oat layers bake to a perfect golden texture.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberry Layer

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (can use frozen, fully defrosted and drained)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon zest
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch

Oatmeal Layers

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Let this mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the strawberries release a substantial amount of liquid. Stir in the tapioca starch and continue to simmer for 1 more minute to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of bars later.
3. Mix Oatmeal Layers: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add maple syrup, coconut oil, and lemon juice, mixing well until the ingredients form a cohesive mixture. Using your hands or the back of a spoon can help break up any clumps and ensure even distribution.
4. Assemble Bars: Reserve about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oatmeal mixture. Press the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer. Spread the prepared strawberry filling evenly over this base. Finally, crumble and sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top layer of strawberry filling, pressing gently with your hands to adhere.
5. Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden brown, indicating the bars are cooked through.
6. Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and slice into squares or rectangles as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, ensure rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
• Using fresh strawberries provides the best flavor, but frozen can be used if fully thawed and drained.
• Letting the bars cool completely is crucial for clean slicing and proper setting.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Keywords: healthy strawberry bars, oatmeal bars, gluten-free snacks, strawberry dessert, maple syrup bars, almond flour bars, wholesome breakfast bars