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Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat, combining hearty rolled oats and whole wheat flour with fresh, juicy strawberries. Lightly sweetened and topped with a delicate vanilla glaze, they make for a perfect snack or breakfast option that balances flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy free)

Filling

  • 2 cups small-diced strawberries (about 10 ounces, divided)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1/2 small lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (any kind you like)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles, making it easier to lift the bars out later.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until clumps form and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside 1/2 cup of this crumble mixture, and firmly press the remaining mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a measuring cup to help press it evenly.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Scatter half of the diced strawberries evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the strawberries, then drizzle the lemon juice and half of the granulated sugar (1/2 tablespoon) on top. Next, scatter the remaining strawberries and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over them.
  4. Add the Crumble Topping: Finally, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup crumble mixture evenly over the strawberries. Some fruit will remain visible through the topping.
  5. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and smells toasty. Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. You may speed up cooling by refrigerating the bars.
  6. Prepare and Add the Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity if a thinner glaze is preferred. Using the parchment paper handles, lift the bars from the pan, drizzle them generously with glaze, slice into 16 bars, and serve.

Notes

  • To make these bars vegan or dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
  • Ensure strawberries are evenly diced for consistent cooking and distribution of fruit.
  • The lemon juice in the filling balances the sweetness and helps thicken the strawberry mixture with cornstarch.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/healthy-strawberry-oatmeal-bars-recipe/