Description
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with rolled oats, whole wheat and almond flours, sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and honey, and bursting with fresh strawberries, these bars combine a delightful nutty texture with juicy fruit flavor. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they offer a nutritious alternative to traditional sugary snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Create Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring all flour is moistened but not overmixed.
- Form Crust: Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the crust base of the bars.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In another bowl, toss the chopped fresh strawberries with lemon juice and cornstarch until they are well coated. This helps thicken the filling as it bakes.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust layer in the pan. Then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer and gently press it down.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly and set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 9 squares and serve or store.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable; thaw and drain excess liquid before using to prevent sogginess.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
