These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a perfect mix of chewy oats and sweet, fresh strawberries, all wrapped up in a vegan and gluten-free package. They have just the right amount of natural sweetness and a nice texture that makes them a great snack or quick breakfast on the go.
I love making these bars because they’re simple to put together and keep me feeling good throughout the day. It’s such a relief to have a tasty treat that’s also made from wholesome ingredients—no complicated stuff here. Plus, the strawberries add a nice pop of color and flavor that brightens up every bite.
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a little pick-me-up after a morning workout. They’re easy to pack in a lunchbox or take along for a hike, which makes them even better. I think you’ll find these bars just as handy and delicious as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Using gluten-free oats keeps these bars safe for gluten-sensitive folks. If you don’t have gluten-free oats, regular rolled oats work too, just check if gluten isn’t an issue for you.
Almond Flour: Almond flour adds a nice texture and mild flavor. You can swap it for oat flour or sunflower seed flour if you have nut allergies.
Coconut Oil: This gives the bars a subtle coconut taste and richness. If you want a neutral flavor, try melted vegan butter or avocado oil instead.
Chia Seeds: These help thicken the strawberry filling and add fiber. Flax seeds can be a good alternative here.
Tapioca Starch/Arrowroot Powder: These are key to getting the filling just right—thick but not runny. Cornstarch can work too if those aren’t on hand.
How Can You Make a Thick, Jammy Strawberry Filling Without Added Sugar?
Getting the strawberry filling to the perfect consistency is important. Here’s how:
- Start with fresh strawberries and chop them evenly.
- Cook them with a bit of maple syrup for natural sweetness and lemon juice for brightness.
- Add chia seeds and a starch like tapioca or arrowroot to help thicken the mixture while cooking.
- Simmer gently, stirring often, until it becomes thick and jam-like—about 5-7 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before spreading over the crust to avoid sogginess.
This method keeps the filling fresh, naturally sweet, and thick without needing refined sugar or pectin.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size for bars and fits well in most ovens.
- Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift the bars out without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry, one for wet ingredients keeps things simple and tidy.
- Small saucepan – you’ll use this to cook the strawberry filling without a mess.
- Spoon or spatula – for mixing and spreading the oat mixture and strawberry layer evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for best results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries – they give a nice tartness and work well cooked down.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the oat mixture for crunch and a bit of protein.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla bean powder into the oat base to deepen the flavor.
- Mix shredded coconut into the oat layers for added texture and mild sweetness, especially if you’re a coconut fan.
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp tapioca starch or arrowroot powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of hands-on preparation, 30-35 minutes baking time, plus some cooling time before slicing. Total time is around 1 hour from start to finish, including letting the strawberry filling cook and the bars cool fully.
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 some overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out later.
2. Make The Oat Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the gluten-free oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until the mixture is crumbly but sticks together when pressed.
3. Form The Base Layer:
Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This creates the sturdy crust for your bars.
4. Cook The Strawberry Filling:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, chia seeds, lemon juice, maple syrup, and tapioca starch. Stir frequently and cook until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Assemble The Bars:
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the filling for a crunchy topping.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is lightly golden and set. Take the pan out and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling step helps the bars hold together well.
7. Store and Enjoy:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw before eating. These bars make a tasty, healthy grab-and-go snack or breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the filling, which could make the bars soggy. Cook the filling a bit longer if needed to thicken.
How Should I Store These Bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped or in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Can I Substitute Almond Flour?
Absolutely! Oat flour or sunflower seed flour works well as a nut-free option. Just keep the measurement the same to maintain the right texture.
Is There a Way to Make These Bars Nut-Free?
Yes! Replace the almond flour with an equal amount of oat flour or a seed-based flour like sunflower seed flour, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
