As someone who’s always on the lookout for a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, I can’t recommend Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars enough.
They’re the type of treat that not only brings a smile to anyone’s face but also fills the kitchen with an aroma that screams comfort. The combination of fresh strawberries and hearty oatmeal is what makes these bars truly shine.
The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the strawberries complement the rustic texture of the oats, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Plus, the recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it as per your taste or whatever ingredients happen to be in your pantry.
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced (or grated)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or thawed frozen strawberries, well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (add 1 extra teaspoon if using frozen strawberries)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oatmeal Crumble:
- Cut cold butter into small cubes (or grate using a box grater).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Refrigerate the crumble for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- (Optional) Clean fresh strawberries by soaking briefly in a baking soda-water solution. Rinse well and drain.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, strawberry jam, and cornstarch.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring regularly, until thickened to a jam-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
- Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Press about ⅔ of the chilled crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, until pale golden.
- Spread the prepared strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
4. Bake:
- Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- For cleaner slices, chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 15 minutes before cutting.
- Slice into squares or bars.
Tips for Perfecting the Bars
Cooling and Cutting
- Always allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step ensures the filling sets properly.
- For a cleaner cut, you can chill the bars in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Be careful not to overbake the crust and topping as they can turn too hard.
- Ensure the crumble mixture is the right consistency—it should hold together when pinched.
Serving Suggestions
- These bars taste divine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you prefer a firmer bar, enjoy them cool and cut into neat squares.
- Feel free to experiment with optional toppings like drizzled chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a perfect journey through making Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. By sticking to these steps, you can be sure of creating a dessert that’s both a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds.
Experiment with variations, perhaps adding some nuts or a different fruit, and enjoy these bars as a versatile treat any time of the year.
Remember, the joy of cooking is in the exploration and the sheer pleasure of sharing delectable delights with those you care about.
