Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, fruity treat that’s both wholesome and wonderfully crumbly, this Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe might just become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender, buttery crumbs paired with vibrant, sweet strawberry jam made from scratch, all wrapped up in a naturally gluten-free delight. These bars not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer a warm, comforting texture that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and almond flour that add a subtle nuttiness and beautiful heartiness. If you’re looking for a treat that’s both colorful and bursting with flavor, this recipe checks every box beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, reliable ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect crumb bars every time. Each element plays a role, from the nutty almond flour that adds moisture to the zesty lemon that brightens the strawberry filling, creating a harmony of flavors and textures you’ll love biting into.

• Gluten-free rolled oats: The base for tender, chewy crumbs that bring a natural, wholesome texture.
• Almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and softness to balance the oats perfectly.
• Dark brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel sweetness that enriches the crumb topping.
• Unsalted butter, diced: Essential for binding the topping and crust, plus that irresistible buttery flavor.
• Chopped strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they create the luscious jam filling in the bars.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the strawberry jam with a gentle earthiness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the strawberry filling.
• Juice and zest of one lemon: Brightens the jam, balancing sweetness with a fresh citrus punch.
• Arrowroot or cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture into a perfect jam consistency for layering.

How to Make Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust Mixture

First things first, get that oven heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, dark brown sugar, and diced unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Dive right in and use your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until everything sticks together in a crumbly dough. This tactile step is so satisfying and really helps build that perfect crumb texture you want for your bars.

Step 2: Bake the Base Crust

Take about two-thirds of your crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. This base will form the sturdy yet tender foundation for your strawberry jam. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until it starts to turn golden. This step ensures your crust won’t get soggy once the strawberry filling goes on.

Step 3: Cook the Strawberry Filling

While the crust is baking, stir together the chopped strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil then let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the berries soften and release their juices, turning the mixture a vibrant deep red. This slow cooking draws out natural sweetness and intensifies the fresh strawberry flavor.

Step 4: Thicken the Jam Layer

Remove the strawberry mixture from heat. Whisk together the lemon juice and arrowroot or cornstarch into a smooth slurry and stir it into the strawberries. This will thicken your filling into a luscious, jam-like consistency that spreads beautifully over the crust without running. It’s the magic touch that transforms simple fruit into a decadent layer.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars

Spread your thickened strawberry jam evenly over the baked crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb topping over the jam, covering it as evenly as you can for a golden, crisp finish. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final bake melds all the layers together into a delicious, textured treat.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience is key here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the jam to set firmly. When ready, slice into 12 squares and get ready to enjoy these irresistible Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars. Each bite will bring that perfect combination of crumbly crust and rich strawberry goodness.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprucing up these crumb bars is easy and adds an extra layer of charm. Try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar, or top each square with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A few fresh mint leaves or even additional sliced strawberries on top will amp up both flavor and presentation, making these bars feel even more special.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own but pairing them with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a chilled glass of almond milk makes a delightful combo. Perfect for brunch, a casual afternoon snack, or even a cozy dessert plate. Their natural sweetness and satisfying texture balance beautifully with drinks and light sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board or a pastel ceramic platter for a charming look. You could even cut smaller bite-sized pieces for a party platter or layer them in parfait glasses with yogurt and fresh berries for a layered dessert twist. The Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe is versatile enough to inspire your creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a better option to keep them fresh and preserve the crumbly texture without risking sogginess.

Freezing

These crumb bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy a homemade treat whenever the craving strikes. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat bars gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the crispness of the topping and brings out the lovely aromas of the strawberry filling. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but you might lose a bit of the crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well and can even save time. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a runny filling.

Is there a substitute for almond flour?

Yes, you can try other nut flours like hazelnut or cashew, or use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can these bars be made vegan?

Definitely! Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based vegan butter or coconut oil to keep the bars dairy-free.

How thick should I spread the strawberry filling?

A nice even layer about half an inch thick works best. You want enough filling to be flavorful but not so much that it overwhelms the crumb layers or causes sogginess.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish to keep the layer thickness consistent or bake in multiple pans. Adjust baking times slightly if needed and keep an eye on the bars as they bake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and joyful about making and sharing this Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these bars bring together wholesome ingredients and bright, fresh flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen and heart!

Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe

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These Gluten-Free Strawberry Oatmeal Crumb Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a homemade sweet and tangy strawberry jam filling, all topped with a golden crumbly oat topping. Perfect as a wholesome snack or dessert, these bars are naturally gluten-free and boast fresh strawberry flavor enhanced by lemon and maple syrup.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Crust and Topping

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced

Strawberry Filling

• 3 cups chopped strawberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Juice and zest of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and bars.
2. Make Crumb Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and diced butter. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles a dough with a crumbly texture.
3. Form and Bake Crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper, creating an even base layer. Bake this crust for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Cook Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat, combine the chopped strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes until the strawberries break down and the mixture darkens in color.
5. Thicken Filling: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and arrowroot or cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the hot strawberry mixture and cook briefly until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat.
6. Assemble Bars: Pour the thickened strawberry jam evenly over the baked crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly, then sprinkle the remaining third of the crumb mixture evenly over the top.
7. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the jam is bubbly around the edges and the crumb topping is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, slice into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is cold when mixing into the crumb mixture to achieve a better crumb texture.
• Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor; frozen can be substituted but may produce more liquid.
• If arrowroot or cornstarch is unavailable, you may use tapioca starch as a thickening alternative.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For easier slicing, chill bars before cutting.