Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

These Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars are simple, tasty, and made with common ingredients. They use fresh fruit and oats for a chewy, sweet snack. They work for breakfast, dessert, or a quick treat. If you like easy oat recipes, try the simple overnight oats recipe for more ideas.

introduction

This recipe gives you a sweet strawberry layer between an oat crust. It stays firm after cooling and cuts into bars. You can make it in one pan and store extras in the fridge or freezer. The bars are vegan and good for sharing.

how to make Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan. Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the filling. Mix sliced strawberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring for 3–5 minutes. The mix will turn into a thin gel. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the oat crust. In a large bowl combine flour, oats, cold vegan butter, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mash the butter in until the mix is crumbly.
4. Assemble. Press half the oat mix into the bottom of the pan. Spread the strawberry filling evenly on top. Sprinkle the rest of the oat mix over the filling and lightly press down.
5. Bake and cool. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35–40 minutes until the top is lightly browned. Let the bars cool fully before slicing.

Ingredients :

• 12 oz fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced
• 0.25 cup maple syrup or agave
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all purpose flour
• 1.5 cups large flake rolled oats
• 1 cup cold vegan butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line the bottom of an 8 inch x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. For the strawberry filling: Mix the strawberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan until the cornstarch is dissolved. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns into a thin gel. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and set aside. For the oat mixture: Combine the flour, oats, butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, and mash the butter into the mixture until crumbly. To assemble: Pour half the oat mixture into the pan and pat down. Spread the strawberry sauce evenly on top, then sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture and lightly pat down. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool before slicing into bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze.

how to serve Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled. You can top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan icing. Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of plant milk.

how to store Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars

Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap bars and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

tips to make Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars

• Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Do not skip chilling the filling a bit before assembling if it is very hot. This helps the crust stay crumbly on top.
• Press the bottom crust firmly so the bars hold together when sliced.
• For a quick breakfast swap, try the simple overnight oats guide to pair with these bars.

variation (if any)

• Use mixed berries instead of strawberries.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the oat mixture for warmth.
• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a different flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid, then cook as directed. You may need to cook a little longer to reach a gel.

Q: Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
A: You can, but the texture will be more crumbly and less rich. Chill the mix if it gets too soft.

Q: How do I make the bars less sweet?
A: Reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar by a little. Taste the strawberry filling before assembling and adjust sweetness.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free all purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats. The texture may change slightly.

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