Print

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

4.9 from 78 reviews

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery oatmeal crust layered with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bars combine fresh or thawed strawberries simmered into a jam-like consistency with a crunchy oat crumble topping baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Oatmeal Crumble:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced or grated
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Strawberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or thawed frozen strawberries, well-drained)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup strawberry jam
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (add 1 extra teaspoon if using frozen strawberries)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oatmeal Crumble: Cut cold butter into small cubes or grate it using a box grater. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Refrigerate the crumble for at least 30 minutes while preparing the filling.
  2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Optionally, clean fresh strawberries by soaking briefly in a baking soda-water solution, then rinse well and drain. If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, strawberry jam, and cornstarch. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring regularly, until thickened to a jam-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Assemble the Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press about two-thirds of the chilled crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, until pale golden. Spread the prepared strawberry filling evenly over the crust, and then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
  4. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 15 minutes before cutting. Slice into squares or bars and serve as desired.

Notes

  • Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling sets properly.
  • For cleaner slices, chill bars in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing.
  • Avoid overbaking the crust and topping to prevent hardness.
  • The crumble mixture should hold together when pinched for best texture.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy cold for firmer bars.
  • Optional toppings include drizzled chocolate or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Freeze bars for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: Strawberry crumble bars, oatmeal bars, strawberry dessert, easy crumble bars, baked strawberry bars, oatmeal dessert bars, homemade strawberry bars