Description
Delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars featuring a buttery oat crust, a sweetened fresh strawberry filling, and a golden oat crumble topping. This easy-to-make baked dessert combines the freshness of fruit with a satisfying crunch, perfect for a snack, dessert, or potluck share.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Crumble Topping
- 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 (optional, or to taste)
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray for easy removal and cleanup.
- Melt butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute on high power until fully melted.
- Make oat mixture: Add the flour, oats, both sugars, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined. The mixture will be dry, sandy, and contain some larger crumble pieces.
- Set aside crumble topping: Reserve 1 heaping cup of the oat mixture to use later as the crumble topping.
- Form crust: Transfer the remaining oat mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your fingers, press it firmly to create an even, smooth, flat crust layer.
- Prepare strawberry filling: In the same mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss gently to mix evenly. The sugar may not dissolve fully but will liquefy during baking.
- Assemble bars: Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Add crumble topping: Evenly sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the strawberry layer. For larger crumble pieces, gently squeeze the mixture in your palm before sprinkling.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just set. The topping should appear very pale golden and the filling will be bubbling at the edges. Bars may require 50 to 55 minutes or slightly longer if strawberries are very juicy. Check bars visually for doneness rather than strictly timing.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cutting before fully cooled will cause the bars to be messy and crumble apart.
Notes
- Using fresh strawberries is recommended for best flavor and texture.
- Line the pan with foil for easy removal and cleanup.
- You can adjust sugar according to the sweetness of your fruit.
- Ensure bars are fully cooled for clean slicing and better presentation.
- If the strawberries are very juicy, baking time may slightly increase.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry bars, oatmeal crumble bars, fruit dessert, baked dessert, strawberry dessert, crumble bars
