Go Back
A delicious plate of Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

These delightful Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are perfect for a sweet treat or dessert. Featuring a buttery oat crust, a fresh strawberry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, they're easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 1 bar
Course: Bars, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 308

Ingredients
  

Crust and Crumble Topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted for easy mixing with dry ingredients.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure for the crumble and crust.
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats Contributes to the classic crumble texture and nutty flavor.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the crust and crumble mixture evenly.
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar Packed for accurate measurement; adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your preference.
Strawberry Filling
  • 2 cup coarsely chopped fresh strawberries Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the strawberry filling; will dissolve during baking.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Adds a bright, tart counterpoint to the sweet strawberries, balancing the flavors.
  • 2 tsp cornstarch Thickens the strawberry filling to prevent sogginess and ensure a firm set.

Equipment

  • 8-inch square pan
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Large Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and removal.
  2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter for about 1 minute on high power.
  3. Add the flour, oats, both sugars, and salt to the melted butter. Stir to combine until the mixture is dry and sandy with some larger, well-formed crumble pieces.
  4. Set aside 1 heaping cup of the mixture to be sprinkled on later as the crumble topping.
  5. Transfer the remaining mixture to the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your fingers, hard-pack the mixture to create an even, smooth, flat crust; set aside.
  6. In a large mixing bowl (the same one used for crust and crumble is fine), add the coarsely chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to combine. Don't worry if the sugar hasn’t dissolved fully; it will liquify while baking.
  7. Evenly distribute the strawberry mixture over the crust.
  8. Evenly sprinkle the reserved heaping 1 cup crumble topping mixture over the strawberries. For larger crumble pieces, gently squeeze the mixture in your palm before sprinkling.
  9. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has just set. The crumble topping should appear set and very pale golden, and the strawberry filling mixture will be bubbling along the edges. Note that baking time may vary if strawberries are very juicy; watch your bars, not just the clock.
  10. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Slicing too early will result in messy bars that may fall apart.

Notes

Feel free to use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not in season; just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.