Name: Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Strawberry Layer:; 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or thawed frozen strawberries with excess liquid drained); 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1–2 tablespoons lemon zest; Pinch of sea salt; 2 tablespoons tapioca starch; Oatmeal Layers:; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed); 1 1/2 cups almond flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/3 cup coconut oil (solid at room temperature); 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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These Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars are soft, crumbly, and naturally sweetened with a vibrant strawberry filling nestled between golden oat layers. They make the perfect healthy treat for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Packed with wholesome ingredients and free from gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and animal products, these bars are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome Ingredients: Made with rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, and fresh strawberries—no refined sugar or artificial ingredients.
Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup provides a rich, natural sweetness that complements the fruit perfectly.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is suitable for a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
Simple to Make: With just two main layers and minimal prep, these bars are easy enough for a weekday bake.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberry Layer

3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or use thawed frozen berries with excess liquid drained)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1–2 tablespoons lemon zest
A pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons tapioca starch

Oatmeal Layers

1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

Make the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices. Stir in tapioca starch and cook for another minute until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add maple syrup, coconut oil, and lemon juice. Mix until a crumbly dough forms—use your hands or the back of a spoon to break up any clumps.
Assemble the Bars
Set aside 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oat mixture. Press the remaining oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the strawberry filling over the base layer. Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly on top.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool & Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into 9 squares.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use different fruits: Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a seasonal twist.
Add a nutty crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat mixture for added texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat layer for warm flavor.
Chocolate version: Drizzle with dark chocolate once cooled for an indulgent touch.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Freeze the sliced bars on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months.
To serve: Let thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

What can I use instead of tapioca starch?

Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as a 1:1 substitute.

Is there a substitute for almond flour?

You can try oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly.

Can I make these without coconut oil?

Yes, use softened vegan butter or avocado oil as an alternative.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Slice and freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats give a better texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch. Avoid instant oats.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The top should be lightly golden and the strawberry filling should be bubbling at the edges.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, swap almond flour with sunflower seed flour or oat flour for a nut-free version.

Do these bars hold together well?

Yes, they firm up as they cool and slice cleanly when fully cooled.

Are they sweet enough for dessert?

Yes, thanks to the maple syrup and natural sweetness of the strawberries, they work great as a healthy dessert.

Conclusion

These Healthy Oatmeal Strawberry Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and wholesome. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a midday snack, or a light dessert, they’re a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these bars will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.