These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a wonderful treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Packed with wholesome oats and sweet, bright strawberries, they’re naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them a great snack or breakfast option for just about anyone. The chewy texture from the oats pairs beautifully with the juicy strawberry filling, creating a simple but satisfying combination.
I love how easy these bars are to make, and they’re perfect for when you want something sweet but also nourishing. I often make a batch ahead of time so I have a quick grab-and-go snack ready for busy mornings or afternoon cravings. Plus, I appreciate that they don’t use any refined sugar—just the natural sweetness from the strawberries and a touch of maple syrup.
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is with a cup of tea or a splash of almond milk on the side. They also travel well, so I like to pack them in my bag for hikes or workdays. Every time I share these with friends or family, I hear how they love having a treat that tastes delicious but feels good to eat. They’ve quickly become a staple in my house, and I bet they’ll be one in yours too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: Use gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe gluten-free. If you don’t have oats, you can substitute with gluten-free oat flour, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
Almond flour: Adds nuttiness and a tender crumb. You can swap it with oat flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, or coconut flour (just reduce the amount, as coconut flour is more absorbent).
Coconut oil: I like coconut oil for its mild flavor and binding power. If you want, use melted vegan butter or a neutral oil like grapeseed.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries make this recipe bright and juicy. Frozen strawberries can work too—just thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid soggy bars.
Chia or flax seeds: These help thicken the filling. If you don’t have either, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to help set the strawberry mixture.
How Do I Get the Strawberry Filling Just Right?
Getting the strawberry filling to thicken without baking into a runny mess can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix chopped strawberries with chia seeds or ground flaxseeds—they absorb excess juice and create a jam-like texture when set.
- Add maple syrup for sweetness and lemon juice for brightness. The lemon juice also helps the filling thicken.
- Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before spreading it on the crust—this gives time to thicken up.
- During baking, watch for the filling to bubble slightly but not overflow; cooling fully is key for firm bars.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – perfect size for making bars that are easy to cut and share.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift the bars out easily without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the oat mixture and preparing the strawberry filling separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing the oat dough without overworking it.
- Knife – for chopping strawberries into small, even pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries to change up the fruit flavor and add different antioxidants.
- Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the oat mixture for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla bean paste to the oat dough for warm, cozy notes.
- Mix shredded coconut into the oat topping for added texture and a tropical twist.
How to Make Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour (or other gluten-free flour)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted (or another neutral oil)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (optional, for thickening)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and assembling these oatmeal bars will take about 15 minutes. Baking time is around 30 to 35 minutes. Plus, allow the bars to cool fully for about 30 minutes before cutting to ensure they set well. In total, plan for approximately 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Form the Oat Dough:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a crumbly oat dough forms. This dough will be a bit crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
5. Create the Crust:
Press about two-thirds of the oat dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a firm base layer.
6. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
In another bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with chia seeds (if you’re using them), maple syrup, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can thicken slightly and become jam-like.
7. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the thickened strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust. Then crumble the remaining oat dough evenly on top, forming a streusel-style topping.
8. Bake:
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the strawberry filling will bubble.
9. Cool and Serve:
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the filling set, making the bars easier to cut and serve.
10. Store:
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Enjoy as a healthy snack or breakfast anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid soggy bars.
How Should I Store Leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Absolutely! You can use oat flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, or coconut flour (use less coconut flour as it absorbs more moisture).
Is It Possible to Make These Bars Nut-Free?
Yes, swap the almond flour with a seed-based flour like sunflower seed flour or extra oat flour to keep the recipe nut-free and gluten-free.
