These delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars feature a buttery oat crust and a fresh strawberry filling, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

Scale

2 cups rolled oats (not instant)

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter

cut into cubes

4 cups fresh strawberries

hulled and sliced

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional

but delicious!)

1/4 cup rolled oats (optional topping)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional topping)

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar (optional topping)

2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (optional topping)

cut into small pieces

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add the cold butter cubes to the oat mixture and blend with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In another bowl, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the strawberry filling over the crust in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly on top of the strawberry filling.
If using, mix the topping ingredients together and sprinkle over the bars.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, dessert, fresh strawberries, baking, snacks