Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

Try This Juicy Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe Today

Strawberry oatmeal crumble bars blend sweet and hearty flavors into a delightful treat that redefines ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

These nostalgic bars capture the essence of homemade comfort with their rustic texture and vibrant fruit profile.

Imagine biting through a buttery, golden oat crust that cradles luscious strawberry filling – each layer telling a story of deliciousness.

Fresh strawberries infuse the dessert with natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance against the nutty, crumbly base.

The recipe strikes an incredible harmony between simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for casual gatherings or quiet afternoon snacks.

You’ll love how effortlessly these bars come together, requiring minimal kitchen skills but delivering maximum satisfaction.

The combination of wholesome ingredients promises a dessert that feels both wholesome and decadent.

How to Bake Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars with a Crispy Top

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Butter Base

Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on high power.

Step 3: Mix Dry Crumble Ingredients

Add following ingredients to melted butter:
  • Flour
  • Oats
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt

Stir until mixture becomes dry and sandy with some larger crumble pieces.

Step 4: Separate Crumble Topping

Set aside 1 heaping cup of crumble mixture for topping.

Step 5: Form Crust Layer

Press remaining mixture into prepared pan, creating an even, flat crust using spatula or fingers.

Step 6: Prepare Strawberry Filling

In same mixing bowl, combine:
  • Chopped strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Cornstarch

Toss ingredients until well mixed.

Step 7: Layer Strawberry Mixture

Spread strawberry mixture evenly over crust.

Step 8: Add Crumble Topping

Squeeze reserved crumble mixture to form larger pieces, then sprinkle over strawberry layer.

Step 9: Bake Bars

Bake for 50 minutes or until edges set and center appears just set. Topping should be pale golden, with strawberry filling bubbling along edges.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and place on wire rack. Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to prevent bars from falling apart.

Tips for Juicy Strawberries and Crumbly Oatmeal Layers

  • Squeeze Crumble Topping: Create larger, more textured crumble pieces by squeezing the reserved mixture in your hands before sprinkling over strawberries.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bars during baking, as cooking duration can vary depending on strawberry juiciness; look for pale golden topping and bubbling edges.
  • Cool Completely: Patience is key; allow bars to cool for at least one hour to ensure clean, neat slices and prevent crumbling.
  • Choose Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
  • Line Pan Properly: Use aluminum foil and cooking spray for easy removal and cleanup of your delicious bars.

Store Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigeration: Store strawberry oatmeal crumble bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Room Temperature: Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if sealed in a container, but refrigeration is recommended to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This gentle reheating helps restore the crumble's crispy texture and revive the strawberry's vibrant flavor without drying out the bars.

Pairing Ideas for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Delight: Serve these strawberry oatmeal crumble bars alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream. The cold, rich creaminess complements the warm, fruity bars perfectly.
  • Brew a Perfect Beverage Match: Enjoy with a hot cup of chamomile tea or a light roast coffee. The subtle flavors will enhance the sweet-tart strawberry notes and buttery oat crumble.
  • Create a Breakfast Bliss Combo: Pair with a tangy Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey. The protein-rich yogurt balances the sweetness of the bars and adds a refreshing morning twist.
  • Cheese Lover's Sidekick: Serve with a small plate of mild cream cheese or mascarpone. The creamy, subtle cheese provides a luxurious contrast to the fruity, crumbly dessert.

Easy Twists to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Your Own

  • Berry Blast Bars: Swap strawberries with a mixed berry combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-colored fruity experience.
  • Tropical Sunrise Bars: Replace strawberries with diced fresh mango and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a sunny, island-inspired treat.
  • Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars: Substitute strawberries with thinly sliced apples, and mix in ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to create a warm, comforting autumn-inspired dessert.
  • Nutty Harvest Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the crumble mixture for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweet fruit base.

Why Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Hit That Perfect Dessert Note

  • Craft Irresistible Texture Layers: Combine crumbly oat crust with soft, jammy strawberry filling that creates a delightful contrast between crispy edges and gooey center, making each bite a textural adventure.
  • Capture Fresh Seasonal Sweetness: Leverage ripe strawberries' natural sweetness enhanced by a touch of lemon juice, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant dessert that celebrates summer's fresh produce.
  • Master Easy Baking Technique: Enjoy a foolproof recipe with straightforward steps, minimal dishes, and flexible timing that allows home bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking dessert without complicated techniques.

The Ingredients Behind Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and forms the base of the crumble crust.
  • Oats: Adds texture and nutty flavor to the crumble bars.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a golden color.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries create a vibrant and juicy fruit layer.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a subtle tang.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling and prevent excess liquid.
Fat and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness, helps bind the crumble, and adds a golden color.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of bars from the pan.
  • Aluminum Foil: Assists with easy cleanup and bar removal.
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Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars offer a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy berries nestled between buttery oat layers. Homemade comfort meets summer freshness in this irresistible dessert that brings simple joy to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (118 milliliters)

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for strawberry layer)

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a precise oven environment by preheating to 350°F (175°C). Meticulously line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, applying a light cooking spray coating to ensure effortless removal.
  2. Transform butter into a liquid state using a microwave-safe bowl, heating for approximately 1 minute at high power.
  3. Integrate flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt into the melted butter. Gently combine until a crumbly, slightly sandy texture emerges with varied particle sizes.
  4. Carefully segregate and reserve 1 heaping cup of the mixture for the eventual topping, setting it momentarily aside.
  5. Utilize fingers or a flexible spatula to uniformly compress the remaining mixture into the prepared pan, creating a level, compact foundation.
  6. Within the same mixing vessel, amalgamate chopped strawberries, sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cornstarch. Thoroughly toss to ensure comprehensive ingredient integration.
  7. Distribute the strawberry mixture strategically across the compressed crust, ensuring an even layer.
  8. Enhance the strawberry layer by sprinkling the previously reserved crumble. Squeeze the mixture between palms to generate more substantial, rustic crumble fragments before scattering.
  9. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-55 minutes. Monitor for crucial visual indicators: set edges, slightly firm center, pale golden crumble topping, and effervescent strawberry filling along the periphery.
  10. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire cooling rack. Allow the bars to rest and stabilize for a minimum of 1 hour before attempting to slice, preventing structural disintegration and ensuring clean, precise cuts.

Notes

  • Crumble Texture Tip: Squeeze the reserved crumble mixture in your hands to create larger, more delectable chunks that add a delightful crunch to the bars.
  • Strawberry Filling Hack: Toss strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to prevent a runny filling and ensure a perfect, jammy consistency.
  • Baking Doneness Trick: Keep an eye on the bars rather than strictly following the timer, looking for pale golden crumble and bubbling strawberry edges as your key indicators.
  • Cooling Wisdom: Patience is crucial – let the bars cool completely for at least an hour to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, beautiful slices.
  • Pan Preparation Secret: Line the baking pan with foil and use cooking spray for effortless removal and easy cleanup of your delicious bars.
  • Flexible Ingredient Swap: Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful variation on this classic dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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