Sweet, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert or snack for any time of year. With a golden oat crust and crumb topping, plus a tangy-sweet strawberry filling, they strike a delicious balance between rustic and indulgent. Think of them as a mix between a fruit bar and a crumble — easy to make, easy to love, and impossible to resist.

The real star is the fresh strawberry layer, enhanced with a touch of lemon zest for brightness and thickened slightly with cornstarch to create a jammy, luscious filling. Sandwiched between layers of buttery oats and brown sugar, the strawberries caramelize slightly as they bake, delivering both texture and rich flavor. These bars are excellent for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a make-ahead treat for your week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and fresh fruit.
Perfect Texture – Buttery base, jammy center, crumbly topping.
Versatile – Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or lunchbox treats.

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble Topping:

All-purpose flour
Rolled oats
Light brown sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling:

Fresh strawberries
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon zest

Variations

Use Other Berries: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries.
Add Nuts: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble for added crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Jam Filling: Use high-quality strawberry jam when fresh berries aren’t available.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and vanilla, and mix until crumbly. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Chop the strawberries and toss them with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Let sit for a few minutes to release juices.

Step 4: Assemble

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top as a crumble.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set and hold their shape.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
Don’t skip the parchment paper — it makes removal and cleanup easy.
Let bars cool fully before slicing to avoid a gooey mess.
Tossing strawberries with cornstarch helps thicken the filling.
Adjust sugar depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.

How to Serve

Serve these bars on their own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent treat. They’re perfect as a brunch dessert, afternoon snack, or lunchbox sweet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze sliced bars between layers of parchment in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Not necessary, but bars can be warmed in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid first to prevent sogginess.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this without oats?

Yes, replace oats with additional flour, though texture will be less chewy.

4. What if my filling is too runny?

Let the bars cool fully — the cornstarch needs time to set the filling.

5. How sweet are these bars?

Moderately sweet. You can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

6. Can I use quick oats?

Yes, though old-fashioned rolled oats provide better texture.

7. Can I make this with jam instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, use about ¾ cup of good-quality strawberry jam.

8. What’s the best way to cut clean bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe clean between slices.

9. Do these need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but refrigerating extends freshness.

10. Are these bars healthy?

They’re a balanced treat with whole grains and fruit, though still indulgent due to the butter and sugar.

Conclusion

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of wholesome and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them for dessert, a snack, or even a cheeky breakfast, they deliver fruity sweetness, a satisfying crunch, and nostalgic comfort in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re bound to become a staple in your baking rotation.