Strawberry Bars
Sweet and fruity strawberry bars feature a tender oatmeal crust topped with strawberry jam, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or afternoon tea treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar; mix in oatmeal.
- Cut in butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Beat egg and milk together.
- Gradually add egg and milk mixture to flour mixture, mixing until well blended.
- Press half of the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread strawberry jam evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the jam.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor along with the cinnamon. Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it in to achieve the perfect crumb texture, similar to the one found in Ma'S Doughnuts.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing touch, serve alongside an Orange Milkshake. They make a great addition to picnics or potlucks, offering a sweet treat everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover strawberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Bars contains roughly 172 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1036mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jam?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries. Simply slice them and mix with a bit of sugar to create a compote, then spread it over the crust. However, the texture and flavor will differ, so be sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
What can I substitute for oatmeal?
If you don't have oatmeal, you can use crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts for a different texture. Alternatively, quick-cooking oats can be used, but adjust the quantity to maintain the right consistency in the bars.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk. Additionally, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan margarine to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).