Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan, GF)

Looking for a delicious and healthy snack recipe? Try these healthy strawberry oatmeal bars made with fresh strawberries, oats, and natural sweeteners. They are vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and perfect for a healthy dessert, quick breakfast or on-the-go snack!

My favorite way to eat fresh strawberries is plain as can be, or the way my mom preferred them: sliced, sprinkled with some sugar, and drizzled with a bit of cream (I am good with a drizzle of coconut cream these days :)).

Of course, I have exceptions. For example, these crave-worthy strawberry oatmeal bars. They highlight the fresh, juicy flavor of the strawberries and capture the warm weather synergy and simplicity of strawberry season.

I love that these wonderful bars are healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast, or as a healthy snack, in addition to dessert. I know you will love them as much as I do!

Recipe Benefits

• Easy to prepare
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Gluten-free
• Oil-free
• 4 grams protein and 3 grams fiber per bar
• Loaded with fresh strawberry flavor
• Packed with whole grains and healthy fats (from the almond flour)

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

For the Strawberry Filling

• fresh strawberries
• maple syrup
• fresh lemon juice
• potato starch (alternatives, such as corn starch, are listed in the recipe notes)
• tablespoons chia seeds

For the Oat Layers

• rolled oats, (certified gluten free oats, as needed)
• almond flour (nut-free alternatives are listed in the recipe notes)
• coconut sugar (see notes for alternatives)
• baking powder (certified gluten-free, as needed)
• salt
• unsweetened applesauce (see recipe notes for alternatives)
• vanilla extract

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Combine the strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, potato starch and chia seeds in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes.

Stir occasionally to break down the fruit (somewhat, not entirely–you want pieces of strawberry throughout). Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the oat layers.

Step Two: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line a 9 inch (22.5 cm) square pan / baking dish with parchment pape

Step Three: Prepare Oat Layers

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract. Stir until combined and crumbly (if mixture seems too dry, add another tablespoon or two of applesauce).

Step Four: Assemble Bars

Press 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly tamp down the mixture into an even crust layer. Spread with the strawberry filling and sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture.

Step Five: Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 21 to 24 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Step Five: Cool & Cut Bars

Completely cool bars, in the pan, on a cooling rack before cutting into 16 squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!

Substitutions

• Almond Flour Alternatives: An equal amount of my DIY sunflower seed flour or DIY pumpkin seed flour can be used in place of the almond flour.
• Potato Starch Alternatives: An equal amount of cornstarch, arrowroot or tapioca flour can be used in place of the potato starch.
• Apple Sauce Alternatives: An equal amount of mashed very ripe bananas can be used in place of the applesauce.
• Coconut Sugar Alternatives: An equal amount of brown sugar (light or dark)  can be used in place of the coconut sugar. Granulated sugar can also be used; keep in mind that the oat layers will be lighter in color if using granulated sugar.
• Maple Syrup Alternatives: An equal amount of agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used in place of the maple syrup. If you are not following a vegan diet, an equal amount of honey can be used. 

FAQ

• How should I store the healthy strawberry oat bars? Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 2 days, the refrigerator for 5 days, or the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Can I make the oat topping crisper? Yes. You can replace 1/2 cup of the applesauce with melted vegan butter, melted coconut oil, or avocado oil. The added fat with give the oat layers a flakier and crisper texture.
• Can I use frozen strawberries in place of fresh for the strawberry bars? Yes! Thaw the strawberries, coarsely chop, and prepare the bars as directed.
• Can I make the bars sweeter? Yes! You can increase the sweetness by adding an extra tablespoon or two of coconut sugar to the oat crumble, or an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the strawberry jam filling.
• Can I prepare the strawberry filling ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the strawberry filling up to 3 days in advance. Store, in a lidded jar or other airtight container, in the refrigerator.

Strawberry Oat Bars Variations

• Alternative Fruits and Berries: Replace the strawberries with an equal weight of fresh raspberry, blueberries, blackberries, or pitted and peeled diced peaches.
• Alternative Flavorings: Replace the vanilla extract with an equal amount of almond extract, orange lemon or lemon extract, or a tablespoon of finely grated lemon zest or orange zest.
• Spices: Consider adding 1/2 teaspoon or up to 1 teaspoon of your favorite sweet spice, such as ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, or ground allspice.
• PB & J Bars: Replace 1/2 cup of the applesauce with smooth natural peanut butter.

Related Recipes

• Strawberry Mint Quinoa Salad (Oil-free, GF)
• Vegan Strawberry Cashew Smoothie {no added sugar}
• Strawberry Puffed Millet Bars {Vegan, Nut-Free, GF}
• Strawberry Almond Flour Crumble (Vegan, Keto Option)
• 5 Ingredient Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars