Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and simple treat packed with wholesome oats and juicy strawberries. These bars are not only vegan and gluten-free, but they also have a lovely balance of natural sweetness and chewy texture that makes them perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
I love making these bars when I want something satisfying but still light and nourishing. They’re so easy to customize too—sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for a little extra crunch. And because they’re naturally sweetened with real fruit, they feel like a special treat without any guilt.
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is with a cup of tea or a glass of almond milk, especially on busy mornings when I need a boost of energy. They travel well too, so I often pack them for hikes or long days at work. It’s nice to have something delicious and healthy waiting for me whenever I need a little pick-me-up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Oats give these bars their chewy texture and nuttiness. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten. You can also use old-fashioned oats for the best texture, not instant.
Almond Flour: This adds moisture and a tender crumb. You can swap it for oat flour (grind gluten-free oats) or any other nut flours like cashew or hazelnut for a slightly different flavor.
Maple Syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind the bars. Agave nectar is a good alternative. If you need less sweetness, reduce the amount or try coconut nectar.
Coconut Oil: Gives richness and helps hold the bars together. You can use melted vegan butter or neutral oils like avocado or light olive oil instead.
Strawberries: Fresh chopped strawberries are perfect here. You could also use frozen berries (thawed and drained) or swap in raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist.
Chia Seeds: Optional but great for thickening the filling naturally. If you don’t have chia, ground flaxseed mixed with water works similarly.
How Can I Get the Perfect Crust and Filling Layers?
Getting each layer right ensures these bars hold together and taste great. Here’s how:
- Press the crust firmly: Use the back of a spoon or your hands to pack the oat mixture tightly into the pan so it forms a solid base.
- Let the filling thicken: After mixing strawberries with maple syrup and chia seeds, wait 10-15 minutes so the chia absorbs moisture and makes the filling less runny.
- Even layering: Spread the strawberry filling gently but evenly over the crust to avoid mixing. Then crumble the remaining oat topping over the filling evenly for a nice texture contrast.
- Cool completely before cutting: This step is key. Letting the bars cool and set ensures they won’t fall apart when sliced.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – perfect size for these bars and makes cutting into squares easy.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift bars out without sticking or breaking.
- Mixing bowls – one large for dry ingredients and one small for wet; keeps things tidy.
- Spoon or spatula – great for mixing ingredients and pressing the crust evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy, so your bars turn out just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries – these berries add a different burst of flavor but stay juicy and delicious.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the oat mixture – this adds a nice crunch and healthy fats.
- Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat base – gives the bars a warm, cozy spice perfect for cooler days.
- Stir in dairy-free chocolate chips on top before baking for a touch of sweetness and melty texture.
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Oat Base:
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour (or another gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to sweetness)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely for about 20-30 minutes before slicing, so plan for just under an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift out the bars once baked.
2. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. In another small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine and Form the Crust:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until it forms a crumbly mixture that sticks together when pressed. Take about two-thirds of this oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Prepare and Spread Strawberry Filling:
Mix the chopped strawberries with 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup and chia seeds if you’re using them. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes so the chia seeds help thicken the filling. Then spread this strawberry layer evenly over your crust.
5. Add the Crumble Topping and Bake:
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer gently and evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top turns golden and the strawberry filling bubbles enticingly.
6. Cool, Slice, and Enjoy:
When baked, take the bars out and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step helps the bars set so they slice nicely. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares.
7. Storage Tips:
Store your healthy strawberry oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to enjoy them later!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid watery bars. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with syrup.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! They keep well in the fridge for up to a week and taste great chilled or at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw before enjoying.
What Can I Use Instead of Almond Flour?
Feel free to substitute almond flour with oat flour, coconut flour, or another gluten-free flour you have on hand. Keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust liquid ingredients slightly.
How Do I Make These Bars Less Sweet?
You can reduce the maple syrup in both the oat base and strawberry filling by half, or adjust it to suit your taste. The natural sweetness from the strawberries helps keep the bars flavorful.
