Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These healthy strawberry oatmeal bars are deliciously sweet and wholesome, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. With fresh strawberries and hearty oats, they are also customizable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ¾ cup white whole wheat flour (or substitute all-purpose or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
- 2 cups small-diced strawberries (about 10 ounces, divided)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (divided)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the center. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger, and salt. Stir in melted butter until evenly coated and crumbly.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture for the topping. Firmly press the remainder into the base of the baking pan to form a crust.
- Scatter half of the diced strawberries over the crust. Sprinkle with cornstarch, lemon juice, and ½ tablespoon sugar.
- Add the remaining strawberries and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Top evenly with the reserved crumble mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. The topping should be golden and the strawberry mixture bubbling.
- Cool on a wire rack completely—refrigerate to speed up cooling if needed.
- Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bars, slice, and serve.