Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are, without a doubt, one of the most requested treats in our household. The first time I baked a batch, the aroma alone had everyone drifting into the kitchen, eyes wide with anticipation. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries nestled between layers of buttery, oaty crumble is simply irresistible. My kids, who can be notoriously picky, devour these bars, whether for a weekend breakfast treat, an after-school snack, or a simple dessert. My partner loves them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more “grown-up” feel. They strike that perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, making them a versatile go-to recipe. The golden, slightly crisp topping gives way to a tender, fruit-filled center, and the subtle hint of cinnamon in the crumble just ties everything together beautifully. They’re relatively easy to make, and the reward is a pan full of pure, comforting deliciousness that disappears far too quickly!

Ingredients

This recipe will guide you to create approximately 16 delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars.

For the Oatmeal Crumble (Base and Topping):

• 1 ½ cups (180g) All-Purpose Flour
• 1 ½ cups (135g) Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats, not instant)
• ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
• ¾ cup (165g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup (226g or 2 sticks) Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into small cubes

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups (about 600g or 1.5 lbs) Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced or diced
• ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar (adjust to strawberry sweetness)
• ¼ cup (30g) Cornstarch (or ⅓ cup all-purpose flour)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out later. This step is crucial for easy removal and cleanup.
2. Make the Oatmeal Crumble Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure there are no large clumps of brown sugar.
   • Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients.
   • Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor on a pulse setting, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This texture is key to a good crumble. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
   • In a separate medium bowl, gently combine the sliced or diced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
   • Toss everything together until the strawberries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the bars bake, preventing a soggy bottom. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release some of their juices.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Take about two-thirds of the oatmeal crumble mixture (approximately 4 cups) and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. This will form the base of your bars. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to create a compact layer.
   • Evenly spread the strawberry filling mixture over the pressed crumble base, reaching all the way to the edges.
   • Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the oatmeal crumble mixture evenly over the top of the strawberry filling. Don’t press this layer down; a looser topping creates that lovely crumbly texture.
5. Bake the Bars:
   • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the strawberry filling is bubbly around the edges and the crumble topping is golden brown and slightly crisp. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
6. Cool Completely: This is a very important step! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This will take at least 2-3 hours at room temperature, or you can speed it up slightly in the refrigerator after an initial hour of cooling. The bars need to cool fully to set properly; otherwise, they will be too soft and fall apart when you try to cut them. Patience here is rewarded with perfectly formed bars.
7. Cut and Serve: Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire block of bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size (e.g., 16 bars from a 9×13 pan).

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 16 bars (when cut from a 9×13 inch pan)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and any substitutions made. For precise nutritional data, it’s recommended to use an online calculator with your exact ingredient brands and quantities.

The calories primarily come from the butter, sugars, and flour in the crumble, as well as the natural sugars in the strawberries. While these bars are a treat, the inclusion of oats and fresh fruit adds some fiber and vitamins.

Preparation Time

Understanding the time commitment helps in planning your baking session:

• Active Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes (includes preparing the crumble, mixing the filling, and assembling the bars).
• Baking Time: 40-50 minutes.
• Cooling Time: 2-3 hours (crucial for setting; do not skip or rush this).
• Total Time (from start to ready-to-eat): Approximately 3 hours to 4 hours 15 minutes.

While the hands-on time is relatively short, the cooling period is significant, so plan accordingly if you need these for a specific event.

How to Serve

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are wonderfully versatile. Here are some delightful ways to serve them:

• Simply As Is:
  • Enjoy them at room temperature for a perfect grab-and-go snack or a simple dessert.
  • Their natural sweetness and satisfying texture make them delicious on their own.
• Warmed Up:
  • Gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven. This enhances the aroma and makes the strawberry filling even juicier.
• With a Cold Accompaniment:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The warm, crumbly bar with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream (sweetened or unsweetened) adds a light, airy contrast.
  • Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist or a breakfast option, serve with a spoonful of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. The tanginess of the yogurt balances the sweetness of the bars.
  • Custard or Crème Anglaise: For an elegant dessert, serve a warm bar with a drizzle of warm vanilla custard.
• For Breakfast or Brunch:
  • Cut into smaller squares, they make a lovely addition to a brunch spread.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a satisfying morning treat.
• As a Dessert Centerpiece:
  • Arrange them on a platter, perhaps garnished with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more formal presentation.
• Packed for Outings:
  • These bars travel well once fully cooled and cut, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or lunchboxes.

No matter how you choose to serve them, their delightful combination of textures and flavors is sure to be a hit!

Additional Tips

Elevate your Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars with these handy tips:

1. Embrace Frozen Strawberries (Off-Season Savior): If fresh strawberries aren’t in season or readily available, frozen strawberries work wonderfully! Do not thaw them before use. You might need to add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling and potentially increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, as frozen fruit releases more moisture.
2. Spice it Up or Add Crunch: Don’t be afraid to customize the crumble.
   • Spices: Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a warmer, more complex spice profile.
   • Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the crumble mixture for added texture and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly beforehand for even more depth.
   • Citrus Zest: Add the zest of half a lemon or orange to the strawberry filling for an extra burst of brightness.
3. The Chill is Key for Clean Cuts: Seriously, do not rush the cooling process. Attempting to cut warm crumble bars will result in a delicious but messy pile. For the cleanest cuts, ensure the bars are completely cool. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes after they’ve mostly cooled at room temperature can make slicing even easier. Use a large, sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between cuts if necessary.
4. Proper Storage for Lasting Freshness:
   • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
   • For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. They will be firmer when cold; you can let them come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving.
   • These bars also freeze well! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
5. Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare components in advance to save time.
   • Crumble Mixture: The dry crumble mixture (with butter cut in) can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
   • Strawberry Filling: While best made fresh, you can mix the strawberries with sugar, lemon, and vanilla a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the cornstarch just before assembling to prevent it from becoming too watery.
   • Alternatively, bake the entire pan of bars a day in advance. Cool completely, cover, and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars:

1. Q: Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
   • A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute strawberries with an equal amount of other berries like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry combination. Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or plums, diced, also work beautifully (you might need to adjust sugar based on fruit sweetness). For apples or pears, cook them down slightly first to soften them before using as a filling.
2. Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
   • A: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum or add it if your blend doesn’t). Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free, as oats can often be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing. The rest of the ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels.
3. Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
   • A: You can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it affects both flavor and texture. In the crumble, sugar contributes to crispness and browning. In the filling, it balances the tartness of the fruit and helps with the thickening process. You could try reducing the sugar in the crumble by ¼ cup and in the filling by 1-2 tablespoons to start. Taste your strawberries; if they are very sweet, you can likely get away with less sugar in the filling.
4. Q: My bars are too crumbly and don’t hold their shape. What went wrong?
   • A: This is usually due to one of two reasons:
     • Not enough compaction of the base: Ensure you press the bottom crumble layer firmly into the pan. This creates a solid foundation.
     • Cutting while warm: This is the most common culprit. The bars need to cool completely (several hours) to allow the butter and sugars to solidify and the filling to set. If cut warm, they will inevitably fall apart. Patience during cooling is essential!
     • Incorrect ingredient ratios: Double-check your measurements, especially for butter and flour in the crumble.
5. Q: How long do these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars last?
   • A: Stored properly in an airtight container, they will last for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them in an airtight container, they can last for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Print