Ingredients
Scale
For the Strawberry Filling
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Oatmeal Crust & Crumble
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- . Preheat & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - 2. Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar (or honey), and lemon juice.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until berries release juices.
Stir in cornstarch and cook another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly. - 3. Prepare the Oat Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in honey (if using) and vanilla extract until combined. - 4. Assemble
- Press about 2/3 of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Spread strawberry filling evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over the top. - 5. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- 6. Cool & Slice
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into squares for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes