Craving a sweet treat that fits your healthy lifestyle? These Skinny Strawberry Oat Bars are a perfect choice for your healthy baking recipes repertoire. You’ll love how simple they are to make and how wonderfully satisfying they taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Rolled Oats: Do not use instant oats; old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: All-purpose flour can be used if you don’t have whole wheat.
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) work great. Other berries like raspberries or blueberries are excellent substitutes.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Coconut Oil: Unsalted butter is a good substitute if you prefer.
Ingredients:
For the Oat Crumble:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 8 bars
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210
- Tools needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
2. Make the Oat Crumble
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly mixture. This will be the base and topping for your healthy baking recipes creation.
3. Press Down the Base
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to create a compact base. This forms the delicious foundation of your oat bars.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a separate medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the strawberries are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
5. Assemble the Bars
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the oat crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the top of the strawberry layer. This creates a delightful, textured topping.
6. Bake Your Bars
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling ensures they set properly for clean cuts.
Variation Ideas:
- Mixed Berry Bars: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Lemon Zest Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the oat crumble for a brighter flavor.
- Nutty Crumble: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped almonds or walnuts into the oat crumble for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the oat mixture for a warmer flavor profile.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Skinny Strawberry Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
No, quick oats will result in a different texture and may make the bars too soft. Stick to rolled oats for the best outcome in this healthy baking recipe.
- Do you need to thaw frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them well to prevent the bars from becoming watery.
- Can you make these gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- How do you know when the bars are done baking?
The top crumble will be golden brown, and the fruit filling will be bubbly.
- Can you reduce the amount of sweetener?
You can slightly reduce the maple syrup, but it might affect the texture and overall sweetness.
- Why is my crumble not clumping?
Ensure your coconut oil is fully melted and you’ve mixed thoroughly. If it’s still too dry, add a tiny bit more melted coconut oil.
