The easiest, best strawberry oatmeal bars with butter crumb topping. One bowl, simple ingredients, and 100% whole grain—perfect for a snack or dessert!
Prep time: PT20M
Cook time: PT35M
Total time: PT55M
Rating
4.72 stars (897 reviews)
Keywords
Easy One Bowl Dessert, Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy free))
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1/2 small lemon)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (divided)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (any kind you like)
Categories
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Steps
Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles.
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture, then press the rest into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan. Press very firmly so the crust holds together (you can also use the back of a measuring cup to help press it into an even later).
Scatter half of the strawberries over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Scatter on the remaining berries, then the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top. You will have some fruit showing through.
Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping smells toasty and looks golden. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely (you can speed this process along in the refrigerator).
While the bars cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, briskly whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Feel free to add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Using the parchment-paper handles, lift the bars from the pan. Drizzle with glaze, slice, and serve.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 (of 16) without glaze
Calories: 100 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 11 mg
Sugar: 6 g
Reviews
Sheri on 2025-06-16 (2 stars): Like others have mentioned, I followed the recipe exactly (watched the video as well - ‘one bowl’ recipe when you’ve got about ten bowls on your counter?! Whaaat??)… Used the proper size pan, cut up the beautiful, fresh local strawberries as directed and made no omissions/changes. My berry mixture was never bubbly. My topping barely browned and was super crumbly. More like a dessert square than a bar.
I was super excited for this, but won’t make again as there are far better applications for in-season (which is such a short time!) strawberries. Sorry :(
Monique DeRoche on 2025-05-31 (5 stars): This recipe is a keeper!! Absolutely delicious.
Anita on 2025-05-30 (4 stars): I followed this recipe to a T, and I'm an experienced baker, but I think the sprinkling of the cornstarch off a measured tablespoon might not be a great way to do this, as you're bound to get more in some areas than others. I understand it's meant to thicken the natural juices from the fresh strawberries, but for me, there was bitterness in the spots where it may have been a little heavier, which detracted from the taste. I'll use a wire mesh to get it more even the next time, if I make it again.
FWIW, I did NOT glaze these, as I'm trying to go low sugar. Maybe that would have evened-out the bitterness.
Karen on 2025-05-27 (5 stars): I love these so much. I’ve made them many times and they are always delicious. Have any of you tried making these with honey or maple syrup as a sugar substitute?? Needing a batch for a special diet situation.
Kassie on 2025-05-18 (5 stars): For years every strawberry season we pick strawberries at our local patch and I make these bars. It’s my husbands favorite
Brandais on 2025-04-28 (5 stars): Absolutely our family's new favorite dessert recipe!
Even my husband, who is typically not a sweets guy, kept saying how friggin delicious it was! My kids said "bomb AF"! 😆🍓 Making it AGAIN this week as my "birthday cake" tonight!
