Strawberry Oat Bars

Strawberries are a vibrant and delicious fruit, bursting with natural sweetness. Their juicy texture and bright flavor make them a favorite in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether blended into a smoothie, baked into a golden pastry or sliced fresh atop a summer salad, strawberries bring a delightful balance of flavor and color to any meal.

Explore strawberries at your local grocery store!

Prep Time: 20 minutes.

Cook Time: 35 minutes.

Servings: 9.

Ingredients

Strawberry Layer:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon zest.
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch or corn starch.

Oatmeal Layers:

• 3 cups rolled oats.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt.
• 1/4 cup applesauce.
• 1/3 cup maple syrup.
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil or butter.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
• Optional: Chopped walnuts.

Directions

1. In a small pot on medium heat, add diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice and lemon zest. Allow this to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until strawberries have released a lot of liquid. Stir in tapioca starch or cornstarch and let it simmer for 1 more minute. Remove the thickened mixture from the heat and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine rolled oats, baking soda and sea salt. Once combined, add in the applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil or butter, lemon juice and combine.
4. Set aside 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of oatmeal mixture and press the remaining mixture into your lined baking dish in an even layer. Add the strawberry filling on top and spread this into an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of the oatmeal mixture across the top of the strawberry filling.
5. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden in color.
6. After baking, allow bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.