Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced - 1/2 cup strawberry jam - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds

Indulge in these Strawberry Oatmeal Bars that are both delicious and easy to make! Perfect for snacks on the go or cozy afternoons, this recipe features wholesome ingredients and is customizable to suit your taste. With simple steps, you can create a nutritious treat that's packed with flavor and love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snack game today!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1/2 cup strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (like chia or flaxseed) for added texture

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well mixed. The mixture should be crumbly but stick together when pressed.

Take about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a base layer.

Spread the strawberry jam over the base, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the jam with the diced strawberries and, if using, sprinkle the chopped nuts or seeds over the strawberries.

Crumble the remaining one-third of the oatmeal mixture on top of the strawberries, covering as much as possible.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to crisp.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Presentation Tips: Serve the strawberry oatmeal bars on a wooden cutting board, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. You can also pair them with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added indulgence. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!