Dessert

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery oat crust with vibrant, juicy strawberries. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crumbly texture.

The image shows a stack of three square strawberry crumb bars placed closely on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden-brown crumbly crust, the middle layer is a thick, vibrant red strawberry filling that looks juicy and slightly glossy, and the top layer is a crumbly, golden streusel topping with uneven chunks scattered on each bar. The edges of the bars show some strawberry filling slightly oozing out. Around the stack, there are fresh, bright red strawberries with a textured surface. The background is softly blurred and light, focusing fully on the bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 1 minute on high power.
Step 3: Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined. The mixture should be dry and sandy with some larger crumble pieces.
Step 4: Set aside 1 heaping cup of this mixture to use later as the crumble topping.
Step 5: Press the remaining mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a smooth crust. Set aside.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss gently to mix; it’s okay if the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved as it will liquefy while baking.
Step 7: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 8: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the strawberries. For bigger crumble pieces, gently squeeze the mixture in your palm before sprinkling.
Step 9: Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just firm. The crumble topping should be pale golden and the strawberry filling bubbling at the edges. Bars may need up to 55 minutes if the strawberries are very juicy—watch for doneness over the clock.
Step 10: Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cutting while warm will cause the bars to be messy and fall apart.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe, firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor in the filling.
Try mixing in a handful of chopped nuts or substituting some oats with chopped almonds for added crunch.
For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Brush the crust with a little melted butter before adding the strawberry layer for extra richness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly in the microwave for a warm treat, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.