Looking for a fresh and fruity dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for spring or summer? These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the answer! With a buttery oat crust, a juicy strawberry filling, and a golden crumble topping, this recipe is everything you want in a fruit bar—crispy, chewy, and sweet with just a hint of tartness.
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Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
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Made with real strawberries, not jam
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Quick and easy – no fancy equipment needed
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Sweet, tangy, and perfectly crumbly
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Great for breakfast, dessert, or on-the-go snacks
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Freezer-friendly and kid-approved
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Unsalted Butter (1 cup) – Gives richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Granulated Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the bars and contributes to their chewy, fudgy consistency.
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Eggs (4 large) – Help bind everything together and add structure.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp.) – Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
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All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The base dry ingredient that gives the bars body.
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup) – Provides deep, intense chocolate flavor.
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Baking Powder (1/2 tsp.) – Adds just a bit of lift for a soft, cakey bite.
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Salt (1/4 tsp.) – Balances out the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Melt into gooey pockets for extra chocolatey bites.
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Chopped Nuts (1/2 cup, optional) – Add a nutty crunch and contrast to the soft texture.
Tips and Tricks
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Use parchment paper for easy lift-out and cleaner slices.
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Chill before cutting for neater bars.
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Try adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the oat mixture for extra warmth.
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Double the batch and bake in a 9×13 dish for more servings.
Variations and Add-Ins
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Berry Mix: Use a mix of strawberries and blueberries or raspberries.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
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Vegan Version: Substitute butter with melted coconut oil or plant-based butter.
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Add Crunch: Toss in some chopped almonds or pecans for texture.
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Drizzle with powdered sugar icing for a sweet finish
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Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy mid-day treat
Storage Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
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Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. You can cut the sugar by ¼ cup or use coconut sugar for a less refined option.
Are these bars soft or crunchy?
They have a chewy center with a lightly crisp topping—perfectly balanced!
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars
Description
Rich, fudgy, and decadently chocolaty, these Chocolate Mud Bars are a chocolate lover’s dream. With a gooey center, crackly top, and bursts of melty chocolate chips, they strike the perfect balance between brownie and bar. A sprinkle of optional nuts adds a little crunch, making these bars irresistibly good for any occasion.
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Ingredients
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2 cups rolled oats
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar (packed)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
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Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. This will be your base layer.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. This step thickens the filling and brings out the fresh fruit flavor.
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries, gently pressing it down to create a crunchy top layer.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then cut into bars or squares for serving.
Notes
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Great for using up fresh summer strawberries.
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The oat crust and topping are the same—just split the mixture.
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For a cleaner cut, chill the bars before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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