Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of juicy strawberries with the hearty texture of oats. These bars have a soft and chewy…

By Riley • February 15, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of juicy strawberries with the hearty texture of oats. These bars have a soft and chewy base, a fruity strawberry filling, and a lightly crumbly topping that makes each bite satisfying in a simple, homey way.

I love making these bars because they’re easy to whip up and feel like a cozy homemade snack that the whole family enjoys. The strawberries add just enough brightness and sweetness without being too sugary, and the oats bring a comforting chew that makes them a little more special than your usual snack bar. Plus, the smell while baking is just wonderful—like fresh fruit and warm oats filling the kitchen.

My favorite way to enjoy these bars is just fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk or as a quick breakfast on busy mornings. They also travel well if you want to bring a sweet and satisfying snack to work or on a picnic. These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars always feel like a little homemade hug in every bite, and I keep coming back to the recipe whenever I want something simple, tasty, and familiar.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you’re short on butter, you could use margarine or a plant-based spread, but the flavor might change slightly.

Oats: Old-fashioned oats add great texture and chewiness. Quick oats are softer if you prefer a tender bar, but avoid instant oats—they can get mushy.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are great for flavor and juiciness. You can swap with frozen berries (thawed and drained) if fresh aren’t available. Blueberries or raspberries could work too.

Flour: All-purpose flour binds the bars well. For gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but oats must be certified gluten-free.

Sugar: Brown sugar adds moistness and depth, while granulated sugar keeps bars sweet without being too dense. For a healthier touch, you can try coconut sugar.

How Do You Make the Strawberry Filling Thick Enough?

Thickening the strawberry filling prevents soggy bars and keeps the layers distinct. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Mix sugar and cornstarch with the strawberries before cooking—cornstarch is the thickener here.
• Cook over medium heat and stir often to stop sticking and burning.
• Cook until the mixture looks like thick jam, about 10-15 minutes. If it’s still runny, keep cooking a little longer.
• Let it cool before spreading. This lets it set further to avoid the bars becoming soggy.

Following these tips helps the filling stay thick and delicious inside your oatmeal bars!

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for these bars and easy to line with parchment paper for quick cleanup.
• Parchment paper – makes lifting the bars out of the pan simple without sticking.
• Large mixing bowl – roomy enough to cream butter and sugar together without spills.
• Medium saucepan – great for cooking the strawberry filling evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – ideal for stirring the filling and mixing the dough gently.
• Wire cooling rack – lets the bars cool evenly and prevents sogginess on the bottom.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different berry twist that pairs well with oats.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the oat mixture for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat base for warm, cozy spice notes.
• Try folding in white chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweet contrast to the tangy berries.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Oat Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Additionally, allow some time for the filling to cook (10-15 minutes) and the bars to cool completely before slicing, so overall plan for around 1 hour from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars out easier later.

2. Make the Oat Mixture:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and oats. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.

3. Form the Base Layer and Cook the Filling:

Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Next, prepare the strawberry filling: in a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, 2/3 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Let it cool slightly before spreading.

4. Assemble and Bake:

Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the oat base. Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly on top of the strawberries. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown.

5. Cool, Slice, and Enjoy:

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Filling?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery and keeps the bars from getting soggy.

How Should I Store the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, let the bars come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for best texture.

Can I Make the Bars Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day or two in advance. Just cool completely, store airtight, and they’ll stay fresh. They may even taste better after the flavors have had time to meld.

What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch in the Filling?

If you don’t have cornstarch, try using arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in the same amount. These alternatives also help thicken the strawberry filling nicely.