Bake a batch of these simple, yet delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, to share with the kids. They’re easy to make in advance, are packed with strawberry flavor, and are great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

strawberry-oatmeal-bars-on-parchment

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

I love this time of the year because the warm weather, summer school schedules, and longer days means that we eat outside—and with friends—much more often. And since the last thing I want to do on those beautiful, sunny days is to stay inside cooking for hours, these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are an easy treat to make ahead.

I’ve made them at breakfast time, often with the help of one of my girls, and then left them in an airtight container to enjoy later. Or, I’ve even baked a batch pretty last minute when we’ve made spur of the moment dinner plans!

Ingredients You Need

To make this recipe you’ll need the following ingredients:

ingredients-in-strawberry-oatmeal-bars
  • Whole wheat flour: This forms the base of the bars, along with the other dry ingredients.
  • Rolled oats: I add oatmeal to the crust for extra nutrients.
  • Brown sugar: A little brown sugar, along with the jam and fruit, helps sweeten the bars just enough.
  • Baking soda
  • Eggs
  • Unsalted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Lemon juice and lemon zest: I add these to brighten up the filling of the bars.
  • Strawberry preserves: You can use any type of preserves or jam that you like. (You could even use homemade Strawberry Chia Jam.)
  • Diced strawberries: You can add in some fresh berries for extra flavor and nutrients if you like. The recipe works well with and without them!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.

how-to-make-strawberry-oatmeal-bars-step-by-step
  1. Gather your ingredients and line your pan with parchment paper or foil—so you can easily lift the whole thing out of the pan to slice them.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients together.
  3. Add the wet ingredients. Mix to form a crumbly, but uniformly moist batter.
  4. Set aside some of the batter to use as the crumb topping.
  5. Spread the remaining batter into the pan. Top with the preserves (and optional berries).
  6. Add the crumble topping and bake.

TIP: This is easiest to slice when you let it cool fully before cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of jam is best for these bars?

This recipe works with a range of jams or preserves, though I look for ones with really simple ingredient lists with just fruit and sugar and maybe some lemon juice. Preserves labeled “all-fruit” are often a good bet too since they are primarily fruit. You could also use homemade jam—including chia jam—if you prefer.

How long can I store these bars?

These oatmeal cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or in the fridge. (Either works! The fridge will make them firm up a bit.)

Strawberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Best Tips for Success

  • When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry, use your fingers to gently squish it together.
  • Use a jam that you like the flavor of since it’s a primary flavor in the recipe.
  • Use a fine microplane for the lemon zest to get just the yellow part of the skin of a fresh lemon.
  • Let the bars cool fully before you lift them out of the pan and slice. Use a serrated knife to slice and/or push down slowly but firmly when slicing as you get through the top crumble layer.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cup-for-cup flour instead of the whole wheat and GF certified rolled oats.
  • Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter.
  • Egg-free: See my Breakfast Bars with Jam or Fig Bars for an option.

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strawberry-oatmeal-bars-on-parchment

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Easy and Kid-Friendly!)

You can add the optional fresh berries or leave them out, according to your preference. They add flavor and moisture, but the recipe works either way.
4.94 from 16 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Snack
Calories 177kcal
Servings 12 bars

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup natural strawberry preserves
  • 1 cup finely diced strawberries (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a square 8-inch metal baking pan with a piece of parchment paper or foil so it comes up and over two sides by about an inch (you’ll use it to lift the finished bars out of the pan). Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the eggs, butter, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix the dough together until it’s uniform and crumbly. Set aside ¾ cup of the mixture.
  • Add the remaining mixture to the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing evenly to cover the bottom and to fill in any holes.
  • Stir together the strawberries and preserves.
  • Evenly spread the strawberry mixture over top. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over top to cover evenly and press it down slightly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack until room temperature.
  • Use the parchment paper to lift out of the pan and slice into bars carefully using a serrated knife.

Video

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry, use your fingers to gently squish it together.
  • Use a jam that you like the flavor of since it’s a primary flavor in the recipe.
  • Use a fine microplane for the lemon zest to get just the yellow part of the skin of a fresh lemon.
  • Let the bars cool fully before you lift them out of the pan and slice.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice and/or push down slowly but firmly when slicing as you get through the top crumble layer.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cup for cup flour instead of the whole wheat and GF certified rolled oats.
  • Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter.
  • Egg-free: See my Breakfast Bars with Jam for a similar option.
  • To make without oats, substitute quinoa flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 177kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 89mg, Potassium: 122mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 161IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This recipe was originally posted June 2018.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Love these for using up last bits of jam/preserves. Any flavor or blend of flavors totally works. I add Orgain simple protein powder into the crumble and cinnamon, to make them more breakfast worthy.

  2. 4 stars
    These were good and easy! I followed the recipe except for lemon zest since I didn’t have a real lemon. They’re good but a little dry. I’d add a little milk or water to the crumble next time and some cinnamon or cake spice. My 16month old loved it and asked for more! I’ll make them again.

  3. 5 stars
    These are so good! I made them for my kids for snacks/breakfasts, but I couldn’t resist tasting one right out of the oven after dinner. I put a little plain Greek yogurt on top, and it felt decadent.

  4. 5 stars
    These are delish!! Made this this morning with my 4 year old. I made them gluten free with some 1:1 flour. I also didn’t have a lemon on hand so I tossed in a little vinegar for acidity, and sprinkled cinnamon on top. Thumbs up from everyone in our house for these! Don’t think they’ll last the 3-4 days 😀

  5. Hi, is this correct when it states to reserve 3/4 of crumb mixture? I used 1/4 for base but had so much left that no jam peaks thru the top like yours does.

    1. OMG I just read this the same way and was confused by it. #tiredmombrain 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thanks for the clarification!

    1. You could, though the base might be a little bland. I might add some cinnamon to the base for flavor.

    1. Yes, wrap in foil or plastic wrap, then place into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

  6. I must thank Amy for sharing a useful recipe like this, I’ll definitely use this recipe for my toddler this weekend.