Description
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh strawberries. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a delightful oat crust. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an anytime snack, they are easy to make and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully combined into a crumbly batter.
- Form the Crust: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the crust for the bars.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and chia seeds (if using). Gently mash the strawberries slightly to release some of their juices but still retain some texture.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust in the baking pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the strawberry layer and lightly press down to help it set during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top layer is golden brown and the bars feel set to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars. Cooling fully helps the bars hold together.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the whole wheat flour.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, thawed frozen strawberries drained of excess liquid work well as a substitute.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
