why make this recipe
Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars are a delicious and healthy treat that everyone can enjoy. They are perfect for a snack or dessert. Made with fresh strawberries and oats, these bars are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Plus, they are easy to make and can be stored for later, making them a great option for busy days.
how to make Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups large flake rolled oats
- 1 cup cold vegan butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line the bottom of an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with parchment paper.
- For the strawberry filling, mix the strawberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid turns into a thin gel and the strawberries begin to break down. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and set aside.
- For the oat mixture, add the flour, oats, butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to mash the butter into the mixture until you reach a crumbly texture and everything is mixed in.
- To assemble, pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and pat it down.
- Pour all of your strawberry sauce on top and spread it around to evenly distribute.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberry layer and lightly pat it down.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until lightly browned on top. Let cool before serving and slicing into bars. Store the cooled strawberry bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or they can be frozen. If using frozen strawberries, you might need to cook the strawberry mixture a little longer to reach the correct consistency.
how to serve Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars
These bars can be served as a delightful snack or dessert. They are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a scoop of plant-based ice cream for an extra treat.
how to store Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars
To keep your Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are well wrapped or in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars
- Use fresh strawberries when they are in season for the best flavor.
- If you want a sweeter bar, increase the amount of maple syrup or agave.
- Make sure your vegan butter is cold before mixing for a better crumbly texture.
variation
You can customize these bars by adding nuts, seeds, or even other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. For a chocolate twist, try adding some vegan chocolate chips to the oat mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just remember to cook the mixture a little longer to achieve the right consistency.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How long do these bars last in the freezer?
When stored properly in the freezer, these bars can last for up to 3 months.
Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars
Ingredients
For the strawberry filling
- 12 oz fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave Increase the amount for a sweeter filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the oat mixture
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- 1 1/2 cups large flake rolled oats
- 1 cup cold vegan butter Important to be cold for the right texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line the bottom of an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with parchment paper.
- For the strawberry filling, mix the strawberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid turns into a thin gel and the strawberries begin to break down. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and set aside.
- For the oat mixture, add the flour, oats, butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to mash the butter into the mixture until you reach a crumbly texture and everything is mixed in.
Assembly
- Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan and pat it down.
- Pour all of your strawberry sauce on top and spread it around to evenly distribute.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberry layer and lightly pat it down.
Baking
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until lightly browned on top. Let cool before serving and slicing into bars.
- Store the cooled strawberry bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or they can be frozen.