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As summer approaches and fresh strawberries start to tempt our taste buds, I wanted to share a recipe that perfectly captures the season’s essence: Gluten-Free Vegan Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. The moment I take a bite, I’m transported to sun-drenched picnics and vibrant farmer’s markets, where the fragrance of sweet berries fills the air.

This delightful dessert marries juicy strawberries with a hearty oatmeal crumble, creating a harmonious blend of textures—crisp on the outside and chewy within. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy treat or a wholesome dessert that aligns with dietary preferences, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, being gluten-free and vegan, they cater to a wide range of palates, making them ideal for gathering with friends or savoring solo as a sweet escape after a long day.

Join me in whipping up these delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars that are as vibrant as a sunny afternoon!

Why are Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars irresistible?

Fresh, Seasonal Berries: Using juicy strawberries in these bars makes every bite burst with flavor, capturing the essence of summer.
Texture Contrast: The crisp topping combined with a chewy, fruity center creates a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dessert in no time, perfect for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
Diet-Friendly: Being gluten-free and vegan means everyone can enjoy this treat without worrying about dietary restrictions.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a delicious snack or dessert ready to go for the week!

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Ingredients

For the Filling
• Fresh strawberries – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; feel free to substitute with other berries for a different flavor.
• Tapioca starch – Acts as a thickening agent for the fruit filling; cornstarch is a viable alternative.

For the Crust
• Almond flour – Adds structure and a nutty flavor; can be replaced with any nut flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Baking soda – Helps in leavening the crust; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor balance; using sea salt brings out the best in your crust.
• Coconut oil – Provides moisture and fat content; vegan butter or a neutral oil works as a substitute.
• Coconut sugar – Adds sweetness with a caramel undertone; brown sugar is a suitable alternative.
• Rolled oats – Offers texture and fiber; ensure oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
• Chopped almonds – Adds crunch and flavor; can be swapped with other nuts or omitted based on preference.

Enjoy crafting your delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars with these easy-to-gather ingredients!

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease. This ensures your bars release easily and bake evenly.
Combine quartered strawberries and tapioca starch in a bowl, setting it aside. This mixture allows the strawberries to thicken nicely during baking, enhancing their flavor.
Mix the almond flour, baking soda, salt, solid coconut oil, coconut sugar, rolled oats, and chopped almonds in another bowl. Use your fingers to work the coconut oil into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remainder into the bottom of the pan, then pop it into the oven for 10 minutes. This creates a firm base for your delicious filling!
Layer the strawberries evenly across the partially baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top. This will give you that lovely texture contrast when baked.
Bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. The enticing aroma will have your kitchen feeling like a warm, welcoming bakery!
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. This step is crucial for the bars to properly set, ensuring each bite is enjoyable and not crumbly.

Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars?

Treat yourself to a delightful meal pairing that brings out the best in these vibrant bars.

Coconut Whipped Cream: This light, airy topping complements the bars perfectly, adding a creamy texture and mild sweetness that enhances the strawberry flavor.
Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream: A scoop of this refreshing treat elevates your dessert experience, providing a cool contrast to the warm crumble bars.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal berries and other fruits adds a bright, refreshing element to your plate, enhancing the sweetness of the crumble.
Nutty Granola: Serving granola on the side adds crunch and nutty goodness, creating a satisfying texture contrast with the soft and chewy bars.
Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Refreshing and bursting with flavor, a drink infused with mint or basil brings a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.
Iced Herbal Tea: A sweet hibiscus or chamomile iced tea provides a calming balance to the sweetness of the bars, making it a delightful pairing for any occasion.

Each of these ideas will round out your meal beautifully, making for a sweet and satisfying end to your day!

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This is especially delightful for serving with a dollop of coconut whipped cream!

Expert Tips for Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing. This helps them set properly, preventing them from crumbling when cut.
Berry Substitutions: If you want to use different fruits, adjust the tapioca starch accordingly. This maintains the desired consistency for the filling in your Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars.
Testing Freshness: Ensure your baking soda is fresh to achieve the right rise. An expired leavening agent can lead to a dense crust.
Measuring Ingredients: Use a food scale for precision, especially with almond flour and rolled oats, as discrepancies can change the texture.
Nut Alternatives: Feel free to substitute chopped almonds with your favorite nuts or seeds, but be careful not to cut them too finely to maintain a satisfying crunch.

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten-Free Vegan Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, saving you kitchen time during busy weeks! You can prepare the filling (strawberries combined with tapioca starch) and the crust mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, press the crust into the pan, layer the strawberries on top, sprinkle with reserved crumbs, and bake. This method ensures the bars are just as delicious and fresh when served, giving you delightful, crumbly treats with minimal effort on that busy day!

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Variations

Feel free to personalize your bars with these fun and delightful twists that will elevate your dessert experience!

Berry Blast: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to change up the flavor profile and enjoy an explosion of mixed berry goodness. Each berry brings its own unique sweetness!
Peachy Keen: Substitute strawberries with fresh peaches for a warm weather twist. The juicy sweetness of peaches offers a delightful change to your classic crumble bars.
Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a rich flavor boost. This addition gives the bars a heartier texture and a lovely nutty aroma.
Chocolate Indulgence: Mix in dairy-free chocolate chips with the crumb mixture or drizzle melted vegan chocolate on top for a deliciously decadent finish.
Spiced Sensation: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture for an extra layer of warmth and an inviting aroma throughout your kitchen.
Coconut Infusion: Fold in shredded unsweetened coconut to the filling for a tropical twist that complements the strawberries beautifully. The coconut pairs well with the sweetness!
Zesty Addition: Add the zest of one lemon or orange into the filling to brighten the flavors and provide a zesty tang that enhances the fruity filling.
Heat It Up: For those who crave a kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the filling for an unexpected sweet-and-spicy flavor combination that surprises the palate!

Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are deep red with no dark spots or bruises. They should be firm to the touch and fragrant—this indicates they are ripe and bursting with natural sweetness. If you can, buy them locally; they often taste the best!

How should I store my Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars?
For optimal freshness, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them where they can last up to a week. Just ensure they are sealed properly to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze the bars for later?
Yes, you can freeze your Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm.

What if my bars crumble when I cut them?
No worries! It’s essential to let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them. If you’re having trouble, I recommend leaving them to set longer, as this will help them hold their shape. If the crumbly texture persists, you may want to ensure that your coconut oil is properly incorporated into the mixture next time.

Are these bars safe for those with nut allergies?
If someone has nut allergies, I recommend substituting almond flour and chopped almonds with gluten-free all-purpose flour and seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the bar’s structure and moisture.

Can I substitute coconut sugar?
Very! If you’re looking for an alternative to coconut sugar, brown sugar works wonderfully as a 1:1 substitute, adding a similar sweetness and moisture. If you’re aiming for a lower glycemic index, consider using maple syrup or agave, but remember to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right consistency.