Fresh Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe: Sweet Joy in Squares

Sweet summer strawberries burst with color in this delectable strawberry oatmeal crumble bars recipe that promises pure comfort.

Layers of buttery oats and jammy fruit create a mouthwatering dessert everyone adores.

Ripe, juicy berries nestle between golden, crisp crumble layers that melt in your mouth.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this treat perfect for lazy weekend afternoons or unexpected sweet cravings.

Each bite delivers a delightful balance of tender fruit and crunchy oat topping.

Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible summer treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to fall in love with the most delicious dessert you’ll make this season.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 10

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bar Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a crumbly, tender base that holds the dessert together with a delightful texture.
• Rolled Oats: Adds wholesome heartiness and creates a rustic, nutty crunch to the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp texture.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes and moisture to the crumble.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds ingredients and creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

• Fresh Strawberries: Brings vibrant, juicy sweetness and beautiful color to the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries and intensify their natural flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit's taste and prevents browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and prevents a watery texture.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of bars from the pan.
• Aluminum Foil: Simplifies cleanup and helps with smooth bar removal.

What Tools You’ll Use for Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• 8-inch square pan: Essential for baking the bars evenly.
• Aluminum foil: Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting butter and mixing ingredients.
• Spatula: Great for pressing crust and spreading mixtures smoothly.
• Wire rack: Helps cool bars properly after baking.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for adding smaller ingredient amounts.
• Knife: Useful for chopping strawberries and cutting final bars.

How to Bake Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• Crust Preparation

Combine melted butter with dry ingredients to create a crumbly base that will form the foundation of the dessert. Mix until the texture resembles coarse sand with some larger chunks scattered throughout.

• Pan Setup

Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by lining it with foil and creating a light spray coating to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.

• Strawberry Layer

Toss fresh strawberries with a touch of sweetness and a hint of citrus, creating a vibrant filling that will burst with flavor when baked.

• Layering Technique

Carefully press the crust mixture into the pan, forming a solid base. Reserve some crumble for the topping, squeezing it to create delightful textured pieces.

• Topping Distribution

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumble on top, ensuring a beautiful rustic appearance.

• Baking Magic

Slide the pan into a preheated oven, watching for golden edges and a bubbling filling. Patience is key – allow the bars to transform into a gorgeous dessert with a perfectly set center.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the bars rest for at least an hour, allowing them to set completely. This waiting period ensures clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape when cut.

Custom Mix-Ins for Strawberry Bars

• Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for delightful seasonal variations that keep the recipe exciting and fresh.
• Create extra-crispy topping by adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, which introduce a delicious crunch and nutty depth to the bars.
• Sprinkle ground cinnamon or vanilla extract into the crumble mixture to elevate the overall taste profile and add warm, aromatic notes.
• Prepare the bars in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days.
• Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert that transforms this simple treat into an impressive finale.

Serving Ideas for Crumbly Strawberry Bars

• Serve with Vanilla Delight: Top each bar with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic summer dessert that melts perfectly over the warm, crumbly layers.
• Breakfast Bliss Companion: Pair these bars with a hot cup of morning coffee or herbal tea to transform your breakfast into a sweet, indulgent experience.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or family picnics where they'll be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Garnish with Fresh Flair: Sprinkle some extra fresh chopped strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of freshness.

Keeping Crumble Bars in Good Shape

• Store Smartly: Transfer cooled bars to an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: Extend shelf life by storing in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Chilled bars maintain their texture and flavor beautifully.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick dessert anytime.
• Revive and Serve: Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Warm briefly in the oven at 300°F for a just-baked taste and crispy crumble texture.

Velvety Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Homemade strawberry oatmeal crumble bars combine sweet summer berries with buttery oat layers. Delightful dessert bars offer perfect balance between fruity filling and crisp crumbly topping for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (118 ml / 4 fl oz)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray for easy removal.
2. Crust Formation: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Combine flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt with melted butter until a crumbly texture forms. Separate 1 cup of mixture for topping.
3. Base Setting: Press remaining mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact foundation.
4. Fruit Layer: Mix chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in the same bowl, ensuring thorough coating and even distribution.
5. Layer Assembly: Spread strawberry mixture uniformly over the crust. Create rustic crumble fragments by squeezing reserved mixture between palms and sprinkle across the fruit layer.
6. Baking Process: Place pan in preheated oven. Bake 50-55 minutes until edges are set, center is slightly firm, crumble turns pale golden, and strawberry filling bubbles at edges.
7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow bars to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing to maintain structural integrity and achieve clean cuts.

Notes

• Precise Oven Temperature: Maintain exact 350°F for consistent baking and perfect crumble texture.
• Crumble Consistency Tip: Use fingertips to create varied crumble sizes, ensuring a rustic, textured appearance.
• Strawberry Mixture Technique: Toss fruits with cornstarch to prevent excess liquid and achieve a thickened, jammy filling.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Allow bars to cool completely for at least one hour to set properly and enable clean, sharp cuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg