Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Sweet and fruity Strawberry Oatmeal Bars combine a buttery crust, strawberry preserves, and toasted coconut, making a delightful treat perfect for any occasion or snack time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract; stir until crumbly.
- Set aside 1 cup of the crumb mixture.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Spread strawberry preserves over the crust.
- Combine the reserved crumb mixture with flaked coconut.
- Sprinkle the coconut mixture over the preserves.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until coconut is lightly browned.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup. To enhance the strawberry flavor, you can add fresh diced strawberries to the preserves. Ensure the butter is cooled slightly before mixing to prevent cooking the dry ingredients. For variations, try using different fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars make a delightful snack or dessert. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them perfect for brunch or afternoon gatherings. For a festive twist, consider serving them alongside slices of Festive Pumpkin Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Oatmeal Bars contains roughly 68 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 preserves?
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries! Simply slice and cook them with a bit of sugar over medium heat until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. This will create a fresh filling that is equally delicious, although it may be slightly less sweet than preserves.
What can I use instead of coconut?
If you prefer not to use coconut, you can substitute it with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Alternatively, you can skip it altogether for a simpler bar, or use rolled oats to maintain the texture without the coconut flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the coconut topping is lightly browned and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
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).