Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These delightful Strawberry Oatmeal Bars combine soft, chewy oatmeal with a juicy strawberry filling, making them a perfect snack or dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups chopped strawberries Provides a juicy, fruity filling that's packed with flavor.
- 1/4 cup sugar Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the filling, giving it a luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens and balances the sweetness of the filling.
For the Oatmeal Bars
- 1/2 cup softened butter Creates a rich, buttery base for the bars.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup white sugar Sweetens the dough for a balanced taste.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic note.
- 1 1/4 cups flour Provides structure and stability to the bars.
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats Adds a chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the bars rise and become light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the strawberry filling. Place all filling ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the filling. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly until berries release their juices.
- Cool the filling. Set the filling aside to cool while preparing the dough.
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven temperature to 350°F.
- Prepare the baking pan. Line an 8×8 inch pan with baking parchment.
- Beat the butter and sugars. Combine softened butter with both sugars until creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix in dry ingredients. Sprinkle flour, oats, baking powder, and salt over the mixture and fold until a stiff batter forms.
- Assemble the bars. Spread 2/3 of the batter in the prepared pan and add the cooled strawberry filling.
- Add remaining dough. Top with blobs of the remaining cookie dough.
- Bake the bars. Place in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Cool the bars. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries at their peak ripeness for best results. Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container and adjust baking time based on your oven calibration for optimal results.