These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a sweet and chewy treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Packed with wholesome oats and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, they make a perfect snack or a quick breakfast on the go. The natural sweetness from the strawberries blends beautifully with the hearty oatmeal texture to give you a satisfying bite every time.
I love making these bars when I want something that’s filling but still feels like a little dessert. They’re easy to whip up without any complicated ingredients, which is great for busy days. Plus, knowing they’re made with simple, healthy components makes me feel good about sharing them with family and friends. These bars stay soft but hold together nicely, which I always appreciate when packing lunches.
My favorite way to enjoy them is with a cup of tea or a glass of almond milk, especially as a midday pick-me-up. They travel well too, so I often bring them along on hikes or to work. If you want to switch things up, adding a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon gives these bars a little extra something special. I’m pretty sure once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-free rolled oats: These give the bars their hearty texture. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive. You can swap for regular oats if gluten isn’t an issue.
Almond flour: I like almond flour for its nutty taste and moisture, but you can use any gluten-free flour like oat or rice flour.
Coconut sugar or maple syrup: These are natural sweeteners that keep the bars healthier. Maple syrup adds moisture, so adjust if you switch to a dry sugar.
Coconut oil and applesauce: These help bind the bars without eggs or dairy. If you don’t have coconut oil, melted vegan butter or olive oil works well too.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the filling! You can replace with any soft fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a fresh twist.
Chia or flaxseeds (optional): These act as a natural binder and boost fiber. If you don’t have them, the bars will still come together but may be a bit crumbly.
How Do I Get the Strawberry Filling Thick and Spreadable?
The strawberry filling needs to thicken enough to hold between the oat layers without making the bars soggy. Here’s how I do it:
- Chop the strawberries small for even cooking.
- Cook strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice on medium heat, stirring often.
- Simmer about 7-10 minutes until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Let it cool fully before spreading on the base. Warm filling will make the base soggy.
If you want it thicker, you can mash a bit with a fork or add a teaspoon of chia seeds to the filling and let it sit for 10 minutes to gel up before spreading.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size to get nicely thick bars that hold together well.
- Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift the bars out without breaking them.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet, to keep things tidy.
- Small saucepan – for cooking down the strawberry filling to the right thickness.
- Spoon or spatula – for spreading the filling evenly and mixing the oat mixture.
- Wire rack – lets the bars cool completely so they firm up nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries to change the fruit flavor and add a different tang.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the oat mixture for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat base for a warm, cozy flavor boost.
- Mix in a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweet surprise.
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oat Base and Topping:
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour (or any gluten-free flour)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (optional, for added binding)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 to 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, the bars need to cool completely for about 30 minutes to set properly before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra on the sides to help lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling:
Place the chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens a bit, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
3. Mix the Oat Base and Topping:
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted coconut oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and chia or flaxseeds if using. Stir everything together until it forms a crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.
4. Assemble the Bars:
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even base. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over this base. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer, gently pressing it down slightly—but don’t compact it too much.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake in your preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges look set. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up so they’re easier to cut.
6. Serve and Store:
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge for best freshness. Enjoy these bars chilled for a refreshing snack, or at room temperature.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid extra moisture that might make the bars soggy. Cook the filling a little longer if needed to thicken it up.
How Do I Store These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Coconut Oil?
Absolutely! Melted vegan butter or neutral oils like vegetable or avocado oil work well as substitutes. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Can I Make These Bars Nut-Free?
Yes! Replace the almond flour with oat flour or another gluten-free flour of your choice to keep them nut-free and still delicious.
