Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups whole strawberries (washed, hulled and diced); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; Juice from half of a lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoons); 1/3 cup corn starch; 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

If you love a sweet treat that feels like a hug in dessert form, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe. Perfectly crumbly oat crust layered with a luscious fresh strawberry filling—it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something both homey and a little fancy. Plus, you’ll find these bars are surprisingly easy to pull off, even if you don’t bake much. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this fan-freaking-tastic strawberry oatmeal delight!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Fruity: The juicy strawberry filling is bright and naturally sweet, bursting with real berry flavor.
Hearty Oat Crust: The oat-based crust adds a satisfying texture and a wholesome, nutty undertone.
Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, so no stress.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight snack or a party dessert, these bars fit right in.

Two square layers of crumbly oatmeal strawberry bars are placed on a white round plate; the bottom layer is a light golden crust, the middle layer is a bright red strawberry filling, and the top layer is a rough oatmeal crumble with a beige color. Next to the bars are two fresh strawberries, one whole and one sliced in half, showing the red and juicy inside with light green leaves. Behind the plate, there is a white bowl filled with red strawberries with green tops, along with a clear glass filled with milk, all on a white marbled surface. A soft pink cloth is partly visible in the lower left corner of the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, strawberry oat bars, easy strawberry dessert, homemade strawberry bars, fruit-filled oat bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these bars comes down to a balance of fresh fruit, the right sweeteners, and that unbeatable oat crust. Using old fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats really makes the texture stand out, and fresh strawberries (well hulled and diced) are key to a juicy filling that’s not too runny.

Flat lay of fresh whole strawberries diced in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, half a lemon cut in half showing juicy pulp next to a small white bowl of lemon juice, a small white bowl with corn starch powder, a neat pile of old fashioned rolled oats, a mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing cinnamon powder, several slices of unsalted butter at room temperature arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with pure vanilla extract, and a small white bowl with salt crystals, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, strawberry oat bars, easy strawberry dessert, homemade strawberry bars, fruit-filled oat bars

Whole Strawberries: Freshness is key here for the best filling flavor; frozen berries won’t give the same texture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural tartness of strawberries without overpowering.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps set the filling thanks to its natural acidity.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture so it doesn’t get soggy.
Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Gives the crust a hearty texture and subtle chewiness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crust to hold everything together nicely.
Cinnamon: Just a hint to warm up the oat crust’s flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Ensures the crust is rich and buttery; room temperature makes mixing easier.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, comforting aroma to the crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this strawberry oatmeal bars recipe my own by mixing in different flavors or tweaking textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little—you might find your new favorite version!

Mixed Berry Variation: I once swapped half the strawberries for fresh blueberries and it added such a lovely depth. You can do raspberries too!
Gluten-Free Version: Try replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats; just watch the crust’s texture as it may be a bit crumbly.
Less Sugar Option: Reducing the sugar in the filling by a bit still keeps the bars tasty while making it lighter—great if you’re looking to cut back.
Added Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for a nutty crunch I absolutely adore.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries for the Filling

Start by washing, hulling, and dicing 4 cups of fresh strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, juice from half a lemon, and ⅓ cup of cornstarch. Give everything a good stir so the fruit is evenly coated. Letting this sit while you prepare the crust helps the flavors meld and the strawberries release some of their juices.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup sugar, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add 14 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. I like to use my hands here, rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key to that perfect crumble texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Press about two-thirds of the oat crust mixture firmly into the pan, creating an even layer. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top as crumbs. Pop it into your 350°F oven and bake for 40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. Let it cool completely before slicing—resisting the warm bars can be tough, but trust me, the filling sets so much better once cooled.

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Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: It mixes more easily with the dry ingredients, giving you that perfect crumb texture.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It brightens the filling and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Pat Down Crust Firmly: Pressing the bottom crust tightly prevents it from crumbling when you slice the bars.
Let Bars Cool Completely: Slicing too soon can lead to a messy filling; patience pays off here.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

The image shows a stack of three layered strawberry crumble bars on a small white plate. Each bar has three layers: the bottom layer is a light beige crumbly crust, the middle layer is a bright red strawberry filling that looks soft and slightly juicy, and the top layer is a crumbly oat topping with a rough texture and light brown color. In the background, there are more bars on another white plate, a glass of milk, some fresh strawberries, and a pink cloth on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, strawberry oat bars, easy strawberry dessert, homemade strawberry bars, fruit-filled oat bars

Garnishes

I often dust mine lightly with powdered sugar or add a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color when serving. If I’m feeling indulgent, a little scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is heavenly.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these bars as part of a brunch or dessert spread, I like pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. They also go great with a simple cup of coffee or herbal tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve layered the bars into glass parfait cups with whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s a beautiful way to showcase all the layers and makes for easy grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover strawberry oatmeal bars tightly covered in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days, and I find they even taste better the next day once the flavors have melded together.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I cut them into squares, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

If you’re craving warm bars, pop a piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Just watch carefully so the crumb topping doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape better and provide a juicier filling. If you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the bars soggy.
Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, solid coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well here. Just keep it at room temperature for easier mixing and expect a slightly different crumb texture.
How do I know when the strawberry oatmeal bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden brown and the filling bubbly around the edges. The center might still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
Can I make these bars with other fruits?

Absolutely! Peaches, cherries, or mixed berries all work great with this oatmeal crust. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation now—it’s like a little celebration of berry season every time I bake it. I love that it’s simple yet feels homemade and special enough to share. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll enjoy that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and hearty that makes these bars such a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking, friend!