Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
When it comes to healthy and flavorful snacks, it can be hard to find the perfect balance. That’s why I’m excited to share my ultimate recipe for Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars! These bars are made with fresh strawberries, whole grain butter crumb topping, and a lightly sweetened vanilla glaze, making them the perfect nutritious treat for any occasion. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go or a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings, these strawberry oatmeal bars have got you covered.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest of one lemon
One of the best things about these bars is that they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a batch of these delicious bars ready to enjoy.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking dish with parchment paper. While the oven is preheating, prepare the strawberry mixture by combining the chopped strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir the mixture until the strawberries are well-coated, then set it aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The oatmeal base and topping for these bars are what gives them their delicious, crumbly texture, making them the perfect snack or dessert.
Once the base mixture is ready, spread half of it onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to create an even layer. Next, spread the strawberry mixture over the oatmeal base, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the strawberry layer, creating a delicious buttery crumb topping.
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake the bars for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Once they have finished baking, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can prepare a lightly sweetened vanilla glaze to drizzle over the top of the bars. To make the glaze, simply combine powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla extract and a small amount of milk, stirring until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and allow it to set before cutting the bars into squares.
Enjoy these Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars as a snack throughout the day, or serve them as a nutritious and delicious dessert at your next gathering. The combination of fresh strawberries and wholesome oats makes these bars a guilt-free treat that you can feel good about enjoying. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap out the strawberries for your preferred fruit if you so desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
In my strawberry oatmeal bars recipe, can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! You can absolutely use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What is the best way to store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
Absolutely! You can swap out the maple syrup for honey, agave nectar, or another liquid sweetener of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the sweetener you use.
Get ready to enjoy the most delicious, healthy strawberry oatmeal bars that you’ve ever tried. Keep a batch of these bars on hand for whenever you’re in need of a quick and satisfying snack that everyone is sure to love.