If you love the vibrant taste of fresh berries paired with a satisfyingly crumbly texture, you are going to adore this Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with a buttery oat base and crumbly topping, creating bursts of juicy flavor in every bite. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a delightful breakfast treat, these bars are as visually inviting as they are heavenly to eat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to when strawberries are in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the nutty oats to the luscious berries, every component is essential to achieve the perfect balance between crumbly and fruity.
- Unsalted butter (125 g / 1 stick): Melted for richness and to bind the oat mixture.
- Plain flour (1½ cups / 225 g): Provides structure and creates a tender base.
- Rolled oats (1½ cups / 135 g): Adds a hearty texture and wholesome flavor, stick to traditional oats for best results.
- Brown sugar (½ cup / 110 g): Gives a deep caramel sweetness that complements the berries perfectly.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Just enough lift to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the base and adds moisture.
- Strawberry jam (2/3 cup): Acts as a delicious sticky layer that melds beautifully with fresh fruit.
- Chopped fresh strawberries (2 cups / ~375g): The star of the show, adding juiciness and bright color.
- White sugar (2 tbsp): A touch of extra sweetness for the fresh fruit layer.
- Cornflour / cornstarch (2 tsp): Thickens the strawberry filling to prevent sogginess.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 180C/350F (fan forced). Preparing early means the oven is perfectly hot the moment your bars are ready to bake. Next, spray a 20cm (9-inch) square tin with oil, then line it with parchment paper that has an overhang. This simple trick makes it easy to lift out your bars once they’ve baked, saving a mess and keeping your bars intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed. Then add the melted butter and egg, mixing everything until it forms a crumbly yet sticky dough. This base mixture is the foundation of your bars, offering a wonderful nutty flavor and moist texture that balances the fruity topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Base and Topping
Measure out one cup of this crumble mixture and set it aside for later as the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared tin, forming the base of your bars. The even pressing ensures the base bakes uniformly and supports the strawberry layer beautifully.
Step 4: Create the Juicy Strawberry Filling
In a separate bowl, gently combine the chopped strawberries, white sugar, and cornflour. Be sure to do this just before assembling because mixing too early makes the berries release their juices prematurely, which can cause a runny filling. This filling is packed with fresh berry flavor while maintaining the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Layer Jam and Fresh Fruit
Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the oat base as the first fruity layer. This adds a sticky, sweet contrast that enhances the fresh strawberries. Then, scatter your strawberry mixture on top of the jam, distributing it evenly to cover the surface.
Step 6: Crumble the Remaining Mixture and Bake
Using your hands, crumble the reserved oat mixture over the strawberries, creating a beautifully uneven, rustic topping that will bake into a golden, crunchy crust. Place the tin in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns a deep golden hue and the strawberry filling bubbles enticingly beneath.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. They will feel soft and might sag when lifted—don’t worry, they will set nicely as they cool down completely. Using the parchment paper overhang, gently lift the bars out of the tin and transfer to a cooling rack before cutting them into 16 squares.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These strawberry bars look delightful served with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a soft, snowy effect. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the eating experience by adding freshness and creamy contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the bars.
Side Dishes
Pair your Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade custard for a comforting dessert twist. If enjoying for breakfast or snack time, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled milk complements the bars beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering them on a dessert platter alongside other fresh berries and small bowls of strawberry jam and whipped cream for an interactive treat. You can also cut the bars into smaller bites and serve them on skewers with alternating fresh strawberry slices for a fun, portable twist perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. The cool environment helps maintain the bars’ texture and delay any fruit spoilage while keeping the oat topping crisp.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and make for a quick, delicious treat anytime you crave strawberry goodness.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or refrigerated Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe warm, simply pop them into a preheated oven at 160C/320F for about 10 minutes. This will revive the crunch on top and gently warm the luscious filling without drying the bars out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Using frozen strawberries is possible, but I recommend thawing and draining them well to avoid a watery filling. Fresh strawberries offer the best texture and bright flavor, which is why they shine in this recipe.
Why do I need to add cornflour to the filling?
Cornflour acts as a natural thickener, preventing the strawberry juices from making the bars soggy. It helps keep the filling firm enough so each bar holds together nicely without leaking.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based margarine or coconut oil in the same quantity. Keep in mind that coconut oil will add a subtle coconut aroma, which goes nicely with strawberries.
Is it okay to prepare the filling in advance?
It’s best not to mix the strawberries, sugar, and cornflour until right before assembling to keep the filling from becoming too runny. Preparing the dry base dough ahead of time works perfectly, though.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be a deep golden brown and you will see the strawberry filling bubbling up in spots. A toothpick inserted into the oat base should come out mostly clean with moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Strawberry Bars Recipe is pure joy in dessert form—simple, bursting with flavor, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself on a sunny afternoon or sharing with friends at a gathering, these bars bring happiness to the table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon; your love for fresh berries will thank you with every bite!
