Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Berry Mixture
01 -
2 tablespoons tapioca starch
02 -
3 cups diced fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen ones, just drain them first)
03 -
A pinch of sea salt
04 -
1-2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
05 -
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
06 -
1 tablespoon squeezed lemon juice
→ Crumble Layers
07 -
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 -
1/2 cup maple syrup
09 -
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
10 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 -
1 1/3 cups coconut oil, solid (not melted)
12 -
1 1/2 cups finely ground almond flour
13 -
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (opt for certified gluten-free if you need it)
# Instructions:
01 -
Add your diced strawberries, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt to a small pan over medium heat. Let it cook down for 5-10 minutes until the fruit softens and releases its juices. Sprinkle in the tapioca starch and stir for another minute as it thickens up. Take it off the heat and set it aside to cool for now.
02 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges so the bars are easy to lift out when they're ready.
03 -
In a mixing bowl, toss together the oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir in the maple syrup, coconut oil (keep it solid), and lemon juice. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything until it clumps into a crumbly dough.
04 -
Save 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oat mixture for the top. Firmly press the rest into the parchment-lined pan to make the base. Spoon the strawberry mixture over it and smooth it out. Sprinkle the leftover oat mixture over the top for a crumbly finish.
05 -
Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes in your preheated oven. Once the edges start browning and the house smells heavenly, you're good to go!
06 -
Let the baked bars cool completely in the pan before using the parchment to lift them out. Once they're cool, cut into squares and enjoy! Resist rushing this step or the bars might break apart.
# Notes:
01 -
Made with maple syrup, these bars are a wholesome treat that's great for breakfast or as a treat later in the day.
02 -
Keep them fresh for five days by storing them in the fridge in an airtight container. You can even freeze them to enjoy later.
03 -
Feel free to switch up the strawberries with raspberries, blackberries, or even blueberries for a fun twist.