Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a sweet and chewy treat filled with fresh strawberries and oats that bring a lovely texture and flavor. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe…

By Julia • February 12, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a sweet and chewy treat filled with fresh strawberries and oats that bring a lovely texture and flavor. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the hearty crunch of oats, making them feel wholesome but still like a little dessert. It’s a perfect balance that’s hard to resist!

I love making these bars because they’re super easy to throw together, and the smell while they’re baking is just heavenly. The best part is that you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, so it’s easy to enjoy them anytime. I usually pack them for lunch or enjoy them as a quick snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Whenever I make these, they disappear fast. Friends and family always ask for the recipe because these bars are not too sweet and have the perfect chewy bite from the oats. I like to chill them for a bit before cutting—they hold together better and taste even yummier after a little time in the fridge.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps hold the oat crust together. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it changes the flavor a bit.

Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a nice chewy texture. Avoid instant oats — they get too soft. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best for bright flavor and juiciness. You can swap with frozen berries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid a soggy crust.

Cornstarch: This thickens the strawberry filling nicely. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or a tiny bit of flour instead.

How Do You Get the Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping?

The oat mixture should be crumbly, not doughy—that’s key. Here’s how:

• Mix the melted butter and brown sugar first until smooth for a sweet base.
• Fold in dry ingredients gently—overmixing can make it tough.
• Set aside some mixture for the topping so you get that nice crumb layer.
• Press the crust firmly but not too hard so it bakes evenly.
• Top with filling, then sprinkle the rest of the oat crumb on top.

This layering is what gives the bars their great texture—crispy edges and soft fruit inside. Let the bars cool fully before cutting so the filling sets well.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for these bars and fits in most ovens easily.
• Parchment paper – makes lifting the bars out simple and prevents sticking.
• Large mixing bowls – I use two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things neat.
• Whisk – helps blend wet ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Spoon or spatula – for mixing the oat mixture and spreading the filling evenly.
• Wire rack – lets the bars cool evenly so they set properly before cutting.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist that still pairs well with oats.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy spice note.
• Stir in mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweet surprise that melts slightly.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Oat Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten the strawberry flavor)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely for about 30 minutes to set properly before cutting and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This will help you easily lift the bars out when they’re done.

2. Make the Oat Mixture:

In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking well until everything is mixed. In another bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be crumbly.

3. Prepare Crust and Filling:

Set aside about 1 1/4 cups of the oat mixture for the crumb topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Next, in a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice if using. Stir until the strawberries are coated and the mixture thickens slightly.

4. Assemble and Bake:

Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oat crust. Then sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top as a crumbly cover. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles.

5. Cool and Serve:

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan so the filling sets well. When cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious strawberry oatmeal bars!

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing to prevent a soggy crust.

How Should I Store Leftover Bars?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. These bars also freeze well—wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the texture and taste similar.

Is There a Vegan Version of This Recipe?

Yes, try swapping butter for coconut oil, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs. The texture may differ slightly but still delicious!