Description
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These delicious strawberry oatmeal bars are the perfect balance of sweetness and healthy ingredients, making them ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Made with fresh strawberries, almond flour, and maple syrup, they’re not only tasty but also gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugar. Give your mornings or afternoons a boost with these scrumptious bars that the whole family will love!
Strawberry Layer: 3 cups fresh strawberries (diced), 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1-2 tbsp lemon zest, pinch of sea salt, 2 tbsp tapioca starch
Oatmeal Layer: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups almond flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/8 tsp sea salt, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1 tsp lemon juice
Directions:
1. Prepare the strawberry layer on medium heat, adding tapioca starch until thickened.
2. Mix the oatmeal layer ingredients, press into a baking dish, and top with strawberry mix.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 180 per bar
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. For the strawberry filling, combine the diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, zest, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the berries soften. Sprinkle in the tapioca starch, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the crust and topping, in a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and lemon juice. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press about two-thirds of this oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread the cooled strawberry filling over the base. Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars are fantastic on their own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a decadent dessert, serve a bar slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. As a breakfast or brunch item, pair it with Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative) and a drizzle of almond butter for added protein. They also make a perfect portable snack for hikes, school lunches, or afternoon tea.
How-to Summary
In brief: Create a stovetop strawberry jam. Mix a crumbly oat and almond flour dough. Press most of the dough into a pan as a base, add the jam layer, and top with the remaining dough crumbles. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can. Thaw and drain them well to remove excess liquid, or add an extra half tablespoon of tapioca starch to compensate.
What can I substitute for tapioca starch? Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are excellent 1:1 substitutes for thickening the filling.
How should I store these bars? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different flour? Almond flour is key for texture and moisture. Substituting with oat flour or a gluten-free blend will alter the result significantly.
Why are my bars too crumbly? This usually happens if they are cut before being completely cooled. Let them set in the pan for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best texture: First, do not skip the cooling step. Cutting into warm bars will cause them to fall apart. Second, ensure your coconut oil is melted but not hot, as extreme heat can affect the dough’s consistency. Third, press the base layer firmly and evenly to create a solid foundation. Finally, measure your almond flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to a dense, dry base.
Conclusion
These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a testament to how wholesome ingredients can create something truly indulgent. They successfully combine a sweet, fruity filling with a hearty, satisfying oat crust, all without refined sugars or gluten. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a lunchbox treat, or a simple dessert, they are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free bite any time of day.