Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the wholesome goodness of oats. They are perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go. Easy to make and delicious, these bars are sure to please kids and adults alike. Plus, they bring a taste of summer to your kitchen any time of the year!

How to Make Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars

Ingredients:

• 15 ounces yellow cake mix
• 2 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
• ¾ cups butter (melted)
• 1 cup strawberry preserves
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix and oats together.
4. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly.
5. Press half of the crumbs down firmly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
6. In a small bowl, combine the strawberry preserves and water, mixing until well blended.
7. Carefully spread the strawberry mixture over the crumb crust.
8. Take the remaining crumbs and sprinkle them over the strawberry preserves, pressing down gently to set them.
9. Bake in the oven for 18 to 23 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
10. Enjoy warm or let them cool, then cut into bars and serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars

Serve the Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as is or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes for a sweet treat after school!

How to Store Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars

To store your Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just be sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Strawberry Oat Crumb Bars

• Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Ovens vary, and you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the crumb mixture.
• If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of strawberry preserves slightly.

Variation

You can easily swap the strawberry preserves for other fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Just slice them and toss them with a little sugar to create a similar sweet filling.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix to substitute in the recipe.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.