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Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

5.2 from 16 reviews

Delight in these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars, a perfect combination of a buttery oat crust, juicy strawberry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping. Easy to make and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these bars are ideal for a wholesome snack or a light dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Crumble Topping

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Strawberry Layer

  • 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Crust Mixture: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal and cleanup. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 1 minute on high power until fully melted.
  2. Combine Crust Ingredients: To the melted butter, add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Stir well until the mixture is sandy with some larger crumble pieces. Set aside 1 heaping cup of this mixture for the crumble topping.
  3. Form the Crust: Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your fingers, creating a smooth, compact crust layer. Set aside.
  4. Prepare Strawberry Filling: In the same bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the ingredients are evenly mixed; some sugar granules might remain undissolved which is normal.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over the crust layer in the pan. Then sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the strawberry layer. Gently squeeze the topping mixture in your palm to encourage larger crumble clusters before sprinkling.
  6. Bake the Bars: Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the edges are set, the center is just set, and the crumble topping appears pale golden. The strawberry filling will bubble at the edges. If the strawberries are very juicy, baking might take up to 55 minutes. Monitor the bars visually to check for doneness rather than relying strictly on time.
  7. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour. This cooling time is essential to allow the bars to firm up and prevent them from falling apart when sliced. Once cooled, lift bars out using the foil and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

  • Line your pan with foil and spray it; this makes removing the bars easier and reduces cleanup.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid a messy crumble.
  • If strawberries are very juicy, expect longer baking times to ensure the filling sets properly.
  • You can substitute frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain excess moisture before use.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry bars, oatmeal crumble bars, fruit crumble bars, easy dessert, summer dessert, snack bars