These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a tender, buttery oat-crusted base topped with fresh, jammy strawberries and a crunchy streusel topping. The balance of soft, chewy oat layers and the vibrant, sweet fruit center makes these squares perfect for afternoon tea or family gatherings. Using fresh fruit and chilled butter ensures a structurally sound bar with a satisfying, golden-brown crunch in every bite.
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed
3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
Preheat your oven to 350F.
Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking powder.
Cut the chilled, cubed butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the granulated sugar and cornstarch until coated.
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the base
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve the best crumbly texture. Using fresh strawberries provides a bright flavor, but ensure they are small and uniform in size. The cornstarch is essential to absorb juices and prevent a soggy crust. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.