Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-491235H16M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Introduction

These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a juicy strawberry filling, finished with a crisp crumble topping. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Let’s walk through how to make this bright, comforting treat at home.

The image shows a close-up of a stack of three square dessert bars, each with three distinct layers. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust with a rough texture. The middle layer is a bright red, slightly glossy strawberry filling that looks juicy and slightly runny at the edges. The top layer is a crumbly, light tan streusel topping with a rough and uneven surface. The stack is on a white marbled surface with one fresh strawberry cut in half placed near the bars, adding a bright red contrast. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Set aside.

Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.

Step 3: Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined into a dry, sandy mixture with some larger crumble pieces.

Step 4: Set aside 1 heaping cup of this mixture to use as the crumble topping later.

Step 5: Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your fingers to form the crust. Set aside.

Step 6: In the same mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the ingredients are mixed well, even if the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved.

Step 7: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.

Step 8: Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the strawberries. For bigger crumble pieces, squeeze the mixture gently in your palm before sprinkling.

Step 9: Bake the bars for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden and the center is just set. The strawberry filling should bubble around the edges. If the strawberries are very juicy, baking may take longer—watch the bars rather than the clock.

Step 10: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.

Tips & Variations

Use slightly underripe strawberries for less juicy filling and firmer bars.

Swap half of the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.

Chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting for cleaner slices.

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the strawberry mixture for extra flavor.

For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh aren’t available, but they will release more liquid. Thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing to help prevent sogginess.

How do I prevent the bars from being too soggy?

Make sure to use cornstarch in the strawberry filling to thicken juices and bake until you see the filling bubbling around the edges. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps them set firmly.