Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch

There’s nothing quite like baking a pan of Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars to fill your kitchen with the scent of summer. These buttery, golden bars taste like a cross between a crisp and a cookie, packed with jammy fresh strawberries and crowned by a comforting oatmeal crumble. With just ten minutes of prep and one simple dough that does double duty for both the crust and the topping, this easy treat comes together faster than you’d think—yet never fails to steal the spotlight at potlucks, picnics, or a simple family dessert night.

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking can be blissfully simple, especially when each ingredient plays a clear role. For these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars, everything you need works together to create bars that are sweet, buttery, textured, and beautifully colored—no special equipment or fancy skills required!

Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): The key to a rich, tender bar and chunky crumble topping—melting it first makes mixing a breeze.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the sturdy backbone for the bars, ensuring they hold together after baking.
Old-fashioned oats (¾ cup): Adds chewiness and a rustic texture, while complementing the crumble perfectly.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the crust and brings out the natural flavor of the strawberries.
Light brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Lends a caramel-like richness and moisture to the base and crumbly topping.
Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
Fresh strawberries (2 cups, coarsely chopped): The star of the show—choose ripe, juicy berries for vibrant taste and color.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Coaxes out juices from the berries and helps create that jammy fruit layer.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Lifts and accents the strawberry flavor, while adding brightness and balance.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the berry juices as they bake, so the bars slice neatly instead of running.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. This step is more than just cleanup insurance—it helps the Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars pop out in perfect squares, with minimal hassle. Set your pan aside and take a breath: the hardest part is already done.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Topping

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This should take about a minute on high power. Add the flour, old-fashioned oats, both sugars, and the salt. Stir everything together: you’re aiming for a mixture that looks sandy and crumbly, with some larger lumps—those will become delicious, chunky bites on top. Scoop out a heaping cup of this mixture and set it aside for the topping. The rest will form the foundation for the bars.

Step 3: Press the Crust

Transfer the remaining oat mixture to your prepared pan. Using a spatula or your fingers (trust me, hands work best here), press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom. Take your time—an even, compact base will ensure each Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bar holds together when sliced. Set the pan aside—you’re already halfway there!

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Filling

In the same mixing bowl you used for the crust (no need to wash!), toss together the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Don’t worry if the sugar hasn’t dissolved fully; it will meld and transform in the oven, creating a sweet, glossy, jammy layer that’s the heart of every Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bar.

Step 5: Layer the Strawberries and Crumble

Evenly distribute the strawberry mixture over your pressed crust. Now for the magic: take the reserved cup of oat crumble and, using your hands, squeeze small handfuls to make chunky, generous crumbs, then sprinkle them liberally over the top. This double-duty dough makes for a professional-looking finish with minimal effort.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Place the pan on the center rack and bake for about 50 minutes, until the crumble topping is set and the strawberry filling bubbles at the edges. The surface should look set and just barely golden. Depending on the juiciness of your strawberries, a few extra minutes may be needed—let your eyes guide you instead of the clock. Once baked, set the pan on a wire rack and let it cool completely for at least an hour (longer if you can stand the wait!). Slicing too soon can make the bars messy, but patience pays off with perfect, neat squares.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Garnishes

For an extra-special flourish, dust your bars with a light shower of powdered sugar, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a few sliced fresh strawberries or sprigs of mint make each bar look like it came from a bakery window.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a bowl of mixed berries, a simple fruit salad, or a tangy yogurt parfait. For a bigger dessert spread, try serving alongside lemon bars or chocolate brownies for a little something for every sweet tooth.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dessert into an occasion by stacking bars on a tiered cake stand, wrapping individual bars in parchment for picnic-ready treats, or serving them in ramekins with a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce. These bars also look lovely arranged on a platter lined with strawberry leaves, bringing a touch of the field to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars keep well at room temperature for up to two days, stored in an airtight container. If you live somewhere warm, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. They rarely last that long, though—they’re too tempting!

Freezing

Yes, these beauties freeze like a dream. Just layer the bars between sheets of parchment in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Store them for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you like your Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars warm, just pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat a few in the oven at 300°F for about five minutes. This gently revives the crumble and makes the strawberry filling irresistibly gooey.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great—just chop them if needed and add straight from the freezer. You may need a couple of extra minutes of baking time since they’ll release more juice than fresh berries.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars will be just as delicious and safe for sensitive tummies.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Simply use vegan butter (or coconut oil for a hint of extra flavor), and check that your sugars are vegan-friendly. The result will still be rich, crumbly, and full of strawberry goodness.

What’s the best way to slice Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least an hour—cooling firms up the layers for tidy squares. For extra clean edges, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I swap out the fruit?

Definitely! Try substituting blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for a new twist. The base and crumble work beautifully with lots of seasonal fruit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple, soul-satisfying, and bursting with flavor, you truly can’t go wrong with Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. Whether for a special event or a treat just for you, they bring joy in every bite—so gather your ingredients, and happy baking!

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe