Description
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious dessert option packed with fresh strawberries, oats, and whole wheat flour. Perfect for a nutritious snack or a light dessert, these baked bars combine natural sweetness with a satisfying texture that’s both hearty and fruity. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare, they are ideal for a family treat or on-the-go nourishment.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted or unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the oats, whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough.
- Form the Crust: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer to serve as the crust.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In another bowl, toss the diced strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice until well coated. This will thicken the filling and add brightness.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top. Gently press down to cover the filling completely.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- For a vegan alternative, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and any excess liquid is drained before mixing.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness.
