Wholesome & Easy Strawberry Oat Bars: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Perfect for Meal Prep

Discover the ultimate blend of taste and health with these incredible Strawberry Oat Bars! Crafted with hearty steel-cut oats, creamy natural peanut butter, and a luscious strawberry chia jam filling, these bars are a game-changer for anyone seeking a nutritious and delicious treat. They are not only gluten-free and vegan but also incredibly simple to make with just 10 wholesome ingredients. Perfect for meal prepping, these versatile bars can be enjoyed as a energizing breakfast, a quick grab-and-go snack, or even a satisfying healthy dessert.

This beloved recipe first made its appearance in April 2018. We’ve given it a fresh look with updated photos, expanded text to include even more helpful tips, and made a few adjustments to ensure it’s completely vegan-friendly. We’ve even kept an original photo at the end of this post so you can see the wonderful transformation!

While our local strawberry season might still be a little way off (typically kicking off in July!), many other regions are currently enjoying their peak harvest. This means we’re lucky enough to find wonderfully juicy, imported strawberries gracing our grocery store shelves. During my last shopping trip, I made sure to stock up on these red gems. My mission? To experiment with a few exciting new recipes and, of course, to revisit and perfect an old favorite: these delightful strawberry oat bars.

This recipe, originally hailing from the Crumb Top Baking archives, felt like the perfect candidate for a seasonal refresh. I took the opportunity to update the photography, making these vibrant bars look as appealing as they taste, and to infuse the post with a wealth of new, practical tips designed to help you master these steel cut oat breakfast bars in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

These aren’t just any ordinary breakfast bars; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures, packed with goodness. Here’s why these strawberry oatmeal bars are about to become a staple in your home:

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: Imagine the classic, comforting taste of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but transformed into a wholesome, portable oat bar. The rich, creamy peanut butter perfectly complements the sweet and tangy strawberry chia jam, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious experience.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: You only need 10 simple, readily available ingredients to bring these bars to life. No obscure items or lengthy shopping lists here! Plus, you won’t need any specialized kitchen equipment, making this a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers impressive results.
• Unbeatable Versatility: Whether you need a quick and nourishing start to your day, a satisfying mid-afternoon energy boost, or a guilt-free sweet treat after dinner, these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re designed to seamlessly integrate into any part of your day.
• Seasonality-Friendly: Don’t worry if fresh strawberries aren’t in season. This recipe works beautifully with both fresh and frozen strawberries, meaning you can enjoy these delightful bars year-round. You can even experiment with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a vibrant mixed berry blend.
• Dietary Inclusive: These bars are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. We ensure that everyone can enjoy their wholesome goodness without compromise.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Beyond their delicious taste, these bars are packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving provides almost 20% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, along with a significant boost of fiber for digestive health and plant-based protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

My journey into the world of wholesome oat bars truly began with this very recipe. Its incredible success and popularity inspired me to create more variations, leading to other favorites like these healthy peach crisp bars and the warming chocolate chai spice crumble bars.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Strawberry Oat Bars

Crafting the perfect strawberry oat bar relies on understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe:

• Strawberries: For the vibrant and naturally sweet chia jam filling, I opted for fresh strawberries, enjoying their seasonal peak. However, if fresh berries aren’t available or affordable in your area, frozen strawberries are an excellent, equally delicious alternative. They perform just as well in the jam, often needing just a little more cooking time to soften. Beyond strawberries, feel free to get creative! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries can easily be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• Oats: The foundation of these hearty bars comes from a thoughtful combination of two distinct oat varieties: steel cut oats and rolled oats. This blend is key to achieving that perfectly crumbly base and topping with just the right amount of chewiness.
  • Steel Cut Oats: These oats are minimally processed, essentially whole oat groats that have been chopped into two or three smaller pieces. This gives them a wonderfully chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, contributing significantly to the bars’ heartiness and satisfying mouthfeel. They absorb liquid more slowly, which prevents the bars from becoming mushy.
  • Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): In contrast, rolled oats are whole oat groats that have been steamed and then flattened into flakes. They cook faster and provide a softer, more traditional oat texture, helping to bind the mixture together while still offering a delightful chew. The combination ensures a balanced texture that isn’t too soft or too dense.

  It’s important to note that while oats are naturally gluten-free, they can sometimes be cross-contaminated during processing. If you require these bars to be strictly gluten-free, always look for oats that are certified gluten-free.

• Peanut Butter: To achieve that beloved PB & J flavor, natural peanut butter is essential in the oat mixture. Natural peanut butter typically contains only peanuts and sometimes salt, without added sugars or hydrogenated oils. This results in a runnier, more pourable consistency when melted, which is crucial for binding the oat mixture effectively. I highly recommend sticking with natural peanut butter, as the recipe has not been tested with conventional, shelf-stable peanut butter (which is often thicker and contains added ingredients that could alter the texture). For those with peanut allergies or who prefer an alternative, natural almond butter or cashew butter are excellent substitutes. For a completely nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works beautifully.
• Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses are the secret to our luscious, thick strawberry jam. When soaked in liquid, chia seeds absorb many times their weight, forming a gel-like consistency that naturally thickens the jam without the need for pectin or excessive sugar. They also boost the nutritional profile, adding healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
• Maple Syrup & Coconut Sugar: We use maple syrup as the primary liquid sweetener in both the jam and the oat mixture, providing a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Coconut sugar is added to the oat mixture for a deeper, less sweet flavor compared to refined sugar, complementing the wholesome profile of the bars. Both are unrefined options that add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Coconut Oil: Virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil acts as a binder in the oat mixture, helping everything hold together once cooled. It also adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries and oats. Make sure it’s melted for easy incorporation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Steel Cut Oat Bars with Strawberry Chia Jam

Making these wholesome strawberry oat bars is a straightforward process, broken down into two main parts: preparing the delicious chia jam and assembling the hearty oat base. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

• Step 1: Create the Strawberry Chia Jam. Begin by combining your chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen) with a touch of maple syrup in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened considerably and released their juices. Once soft, remove the pan from the heat and use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the strawberries to your desired consistency – some chunks are lovely for texture! Stir in the chia seeds, ensuring they are well distributed. Cover the pan and let it sit for approximately 20 minutes. This crucial step allows the chia seeds to plump up and create that perfectly thick, jam-like texture.
• Step 2: Prepare the Dry Oat Mixture. While your jam is thickening, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free steel cut oats, unsweetened coconut, coconut sugar, and kosher salt. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
• Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave this mixture in two 30-second intervals, stirring well after each. The goal is for the ingredients to be completely melted and runny, creating a smooth liquid. This ensures easy and even incorporation into the dry ingredients.
• Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Pour the melted wet mixture over the dry oat ingredients in the large bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until a moist, crumbly oat mixture forms. It should be well-coated but still retain a crumbly texture.

• Step 5: Form the Base Layer. Take approximately two-thirds of the prepared crumbly oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your parchment-lined 8-inch square pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure a compact and solid base.
• Step 6: Spread the Chia Jam. Evenly spread the thickened strawberry chia jam over the oat base layer. Make sure to go right to the edges for a burst of fruit in every bite.
• Step 7: Add the Topping. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the strawberry jam layer. Gently press it down with your hand or a spatula to adhere it lightly to the jam. This creates a delightful crumb topping.
• Step 8: Bake and Chill. Bake the bars in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-32 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is a crucial step! Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the bars to firm up properly. This chilling time is essential for clean cuts and optimal texture. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Oat Bars

We’ve gathered some common questions to help you make the most of your strawberry oat bars:

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Absolutely! To make these delicious bars completely nut-free, simply replace the natural peanut butter with a seed butter. Sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) is an excellent choice, providing a similar creamy texture and rich flavor without any nuts.

How should I store these chia jam bars for optimal freshness?

These bars are best stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps maintain their firm texture, especially important for clean slices and preventing them from becoming too soft. Furthermore, the strawberry chia jam, even after baking, keeps best when refrigerated, prolonging the shelf life and ensuring food safety.

How long will these steel cut oat bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will maintain their deliciousness and texture for 5-6 days. They’re perfect for preparing a batch at the beginning of the week for easy breakfasts and snacks.

Can I freeze these healthy breakfast bars?

Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Once they have firmed up in the refrigerator, cut them into individual squares. Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, either in a single layer or separated by sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply transfer them to the refrigerator for a few hours to defrost before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat these bars if I want them warm?

For a quick warm-up, you can pop a bar into the microwave for 20-30 seconds. If you prefer an extra crispy topping and a gooey center, reheating them in the oven is ideal. Place them on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes. This method really brings out their freshly baked flavor!

Can I make the chia jam ahead of time?

Definitely! The strawberry chia jam can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can help streamline your baking process on the day you plan to assemble the bars.

What if I don’t have coconut sugar?

If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of brown sugar for a similar depth of flavor, or use granulated sugar for a slightly lighter taste. The coconut sugar just adds a subtle, unrefined sweetness.

Additional Recipe Tips and Clever Substitutions

Here are some extra insights and adaptable tips to ensure your strawberry oat bars turn out perfectly every time, catering to your taste and dietary needs:

• Balancing Sweet and Salty: This recipe intentionally calls for salted natural peanut butter and a small amount of kosher salt in the oat mixture to create that delectable sweet and salty contrast. If you’re mindful of your sodium intake, feel free to use unsalted peanut butter and/or reduce or omit the additional salt. Taste the oat mixture before baking and adjust to your preference.
• The Importance of Chilling: For beautifully neat and firm bars, refrigeration is non-negotiable! After baking and cooling on a wire rack, transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator for at least a few hours (preferably 4-6 hours or overnight). This allows the coconut oil to solidify and the flavors to meld, making the bars much easier to slice cleanly without crumbling.
• Elevate for Dessert: While perfect for breakfast or a snack, these bars can easily transform into an elegant dessert. Serve them warm (a quick microwave or oven reheat works wonders) alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent treat. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh berries also adds a lovely touch.
• Ensure Gluten-Free Certification: While oats are inherently gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during processing if they are handled in facilities that also process wheat, barley, or rye. If you have celiac disease or a strict gluten intolerance, always opt for oats that are specifically labeled and certified gluten-free to avoid any issues.
• Non-Vegan Sweetener Option: If you don’t require these bars to be strictly vegan, you have the flexibility to substitute honey for maple syrup in both the jam and oat mixture. Honey will lend a slightly different flavor profile and consistency, but it works equally well as a natural sweetener.
• Pan Size Matters: I’ve successfully prepared this recipe in both an 8-inch and a 9-inch square baking pan. If you prefer a thicker, more substantial bar, stick with the 8-inch pan. For slightly thinner bars, which can be great if you’re serving a larger crowd or prefer a smaller portion, a 9-inch pan will work perfectly. Adjust baking time by a minute or two if using a 9-inch pan as they might bake slightly faster.
• Customize Your Jam: Don’t limit yourself to strawberries! This chia jam recipe is highly adaptable. Try using other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. For a tropical twist, mango or pineapple could be fun experiments!

Other Delightful Strawberry Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of fresh strawberries and looking for more ways to incorporate them into your cooking, here are a few other delicious recipes from Crumb Top Baking that you might love:

• Strawberry Basil Cobbler with Whole Wheat Strawberry Swirl Biscuits: A unique and aromatic twist on a classic dessert.
• Strawberry Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Pancakes: Start your day with these fluffy, flavorful pancakes.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz: A refreshing and sophisticated cocktail perfect for warm evenings.

We hope you enjoy making and savoring these wholesome strawberry oat bars! If you try this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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