These Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a perfect blend of chewy oats and sweet, tangy strawberries, making them a great snack or breakfast on the go. They are both vegan and gluten-free, so they work well for a variety of diets without missing out on flavor or texture. The oats give a nice hearty bite while the strawberries add fresh bursts of fruity goodness.
I love making these bars when I want something that feels a little like a treat but is actually made with wholesome ingredients. They hold together nicely without being too dense or mushy, so they’re easy to pack for a lunchbox or eat between errands. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened and use simple pantry staples, which makes them my go-to when I want a quick, healthy snack.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is slightly warmed with a smear of almond butter on top—that combo is just so satisfying! These bars also freeze really well, so I like to make a big batch ahead of time. They’re great to have around for busy mornings or those moments when you need a little boost without the sugar crash later.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: These give the bars their chewy texture. Make sure they are certified gluten-free if needed. If you don’t have oats, quinoa flakes can be a good substitute.
Almond Flour: This adds moisture and a mild nutty flavor. You can swap it with oat flour or sunflower seed flour to keep it nut-free.
Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: Both add gentle sweetness and moisture. Maple syrup could replace sugar but reduce the liquid elsewhere to keep the batter balanced.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk provides creaminess. You can use any plant-based milk, but thicker ones make the bars more tender.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give a fresh pop of flavor. Frozen can work but thaw and drain them well to avoid sogginess.
How Do I Get the Strawberry Layer Thick and Not Watery?
The key is to thicken your fruit filling so it doesn’t make the bars soggy. Here’s how:
- Mix strawberries with chia seeds and lemon juice. Chia seeds absorb juice and help gel the mixture.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes to thicken before spreading.
- If you don’t have chia seeds, use a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to absorb excess moisture.
- Make sure to drain any thawed frozen berries to reduce extra liquid.
This step ensures your bars hold together well and have a nice, not-too-runny fruit layer.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – Perfect size for bars and makes slicing easy.
- Parchment paper – Helps you lift bars out without sticking or breaking.
- Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet, keeps mixing simple.
- Spoon or spatula – Great for combining ingredients and spreading layers evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts and consistent results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Stir in vegan chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness and melty texture.
- Mix in shredded coconut into the base for a tropical flair and chewy bite.
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base and Topping:
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
For the Wet Mix:
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, to thicken)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 30–35 minutes baking time. Don’t forget to allow some extra cooling time—about 30 minutes—so the bars set nicely before slicing. Overall, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir them together well.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until well combined.
4. Combine to Form Dough:
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Set aside about 3/4 cup of the dough mixture for the crumble topping.
5. Press Base Layer:
Press the remaining dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
6. Prepare Strawberry Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with chia seeds and lemon juice. Let this sit for about 10 minutes so it thickens a little.
7. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the thickened strawberry mixture evenly over the oat base. Then sprinkle the reserved dough crumbs evenly over the strawberry layer.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges turn golden and the topping feels set.
9. Cool and Slice:
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift out the bars and cut into squares.
10. Store:
Keep the bars stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze to enjoy later.
Enjoy your delicious, healthy strawberry oatmeal bars anytime you need a wholesome snack or breakfast treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them well to remove excess liquid before mixing with chia seeds. This helps prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
How Should I Store These Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Substitute Almond Flour?
Absolutely! You can swap almond flour with oat flour or sunflower seed flour to keep it nut-free. Just make sure to measure equally for best texture.
Can I Make These Bars Nut-Free?
Yes. Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and processed in a nut-free facility to avoid cross contamination.
