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healthy strawberry oatmeal bars recipe - Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

healthy strawberry oatmeal bars recipe made easy at home. These wholesome, baked strawberry oatmeal bars feature a sweet-tart strawberry filling sandwiched be
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Oat Crust & Topping
  • 1.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats certified gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
Strawberry Filling
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and diced (about 10 oz)
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Vanilla Glaze
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tbsp milk of choice almond, oat, or dairy milk
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper and exposed pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir with a fork to break up any sugar lumps. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until all the flour is moistened and the mixture forms clumps.
  3. In another bowl, gently toss the diced strawberries with maple syrup, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the strawberries are evenly coated and the cornstarch has dissolved.
  4. Press about two-thirds (roughly 2 cups) of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the strawberry layer, creating a crumbly topping.
  5. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, about 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for the filling to set so the bars hold their shape.
  7. While the bars cool, make the glaze: whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan. Drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice into 9 even bars.