Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Gluten Free + Vegan) Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious gluten-free and vegan treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Bursting with fresh strawberries and wholesome oats, they offer a naturally sweet and satisfying bite that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, fully defrosted and drained)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries release much of their liquid. Stir in tapioca starch and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Add 1/2 cup maple syrup, coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir well, using your hands or the back of a spoon to break up any clumps.
4. Step 4: Reserve about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oat mixture. Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the lined baking dish. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over this base layer. Finally, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the strawberry filling by hand.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges become lightly golden.
6. Step 6: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture before baking.
• If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are fully thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
• Swap almond flour for oat flour if you prefer a slightly different texture or to keep nut-free.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the oat layer for added warmth and flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a quick snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?

Yes, you can substitute strawberries with fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped peaches. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed for juicier fruits.

Are these bars suitable for nut allergies?

To make these bars nut-free, replace almond flour with oat flour or another seed flour, and ensure your oats are processed in a nut-free facility.

Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Gluten Free + Vegan) Recipe

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4.8 from 137 reviews

These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars combine fresh strawberries with wholesome oats and almond flour to create a gluten-free and vegan treat. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and lightly infused with lemon, these bars are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack, offering a delicious balance of fruity, tangy, and nutty flavors.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Strawberry Filling

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or frozen, fully defrosted and drained)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon zest
• A pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch

Oatmeal Base and Topping

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small pot over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries have released a good amount of liquid. Stir in tapioca starch and continue to simmer for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Combine Oatmeal Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix together rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add maple syrup, solid coconut oil, and lemon juice, then combine thoroughly. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to break up any clumps and ensure even mixing.
4. Assemble the Bars: Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oatmeal mixture. Press the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish as the base layer. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oatmeal base. Sprinkle and gently press the reserved oatmeal mixture on top as the crunchy topping.
5. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and the bars are cooked through.
6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to maintain shape and texture.

Notes

• Using frozen strawberries is fine as long as they are fully thawed and excess liquid is drained for best results.
• Pressing the oatmeal mixture firmly into the pan will help the bars hold together after baking.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Breakfast Bars, Maple Syrup Bars, Fruity Oat Bars, Lemon Zest, Almond Flour Bars