Have you ever opened your fridge to find a basket of strawberries looking less than fresh? Don’t toss them out—turn them into strawberries and cream oat bars instead. 🍓 It’s an easy and delicious way to use those berries and maybe even impress someone with your resourcefulness. 😉

The combo of strawberries and cream is just so classic and irresistible with berry season in full swing. This is the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you’ve got strawberries turning a bit too ripe and you’re not in the mood for making jam.

The great thing about these bars is that they're quick to make, and are more fibrous with the oats and fruits.

This recipe is just a fun twist on simple baking, mixing oats and fruit with the touch of cream—in this case, white chocolate. Reminds me of those nutrition bars you’d get in elementary school or summer camp but way better.

Kitchen equipment for this recipe

Mixing bowls
Kitchen scale (I like to weigh out most of my ingredients for accuracy, I also think it’s more efficient when measuring things out over measuring cups!)
Parchment paper
8×8 inch baking pan
Spatula
Ziploc bag for drizzling chocolate

Ingredients for Strawberries and Cream Oat Bars 🍓

For the oatmeal base and crumble: flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, vanilla extract, butter

For the strawberry filling: strawberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar

Rolled oats: for that hearty, chewy texture.
All-purpose flour: helps bind everything together.
Light brown sugar: adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Baking powder and salt: baking powder lifts the base, salt balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: melted, brings richness and moisture.
Vanilla extract: enhances the flavours.
Strawberries: fresh, the star of the show!
Granulated sugar: sweetens the strawberries.
Cornstarch: thickens the filling, preventing it from being too runny.
Lemon juice: brightens the filling with a touch of acidity.
White chocolate chips: melted, adds a creamy, sweet topping.

*These are the main ingredients. The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found at the bottom of this post!*

How to make Strawberries and Cream Oat Bars 🍓

OATMEAL BASE AND CRUMBLE

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper with overhang.

2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, firmly pressing it into an even layer.

STRAWBERRY FILLING

4. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Drain the excess water.

5. Pour the strawberry filling evenly over the base layer in the baking pan.

6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry filling to create the crumble topping. Gentle press the oats into the strawberry filling.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

8. Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler (I wouldn’t recommend microwaving, it will likely burn your chocolate). Pour into a ziploc bag and cut a small hole in the corner. Drizzle the white chocolate over the oat bars and cut into squares or bars!

Tips for successful Strawberries and Cream Oat Bars ✨

Press the base firmly: A solid, compact base keeps the bars from falling apart.

Drain the strawberries: After mixing them with sugar and cornstarch, let them sit and then drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy base.

Cool completely before slicing: This can be the hardest part—waiting. But it ensures clean cuts.

Frequently asked questions 🤔

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, just let them thaw and drain well before using.

Why is my filling runny? Make sure to drain the strawberries and don’t skip the cornstarch.

Why did my white chocolate seize? It’s likely from overheating. Melt it gently to avoid this and don’t microwave it.

How do I store my oat bars? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to a week

Strawberries and Cream Oat Bars are a fun, easy way to enjoy a classic flavour combination in bar form. Whether you’re looking to use up some overripe strawberries or just want a tasty snack, this recipe is for you! Plus, you get to feel good about not wasting food—definitely a win in the kitchen. Tag me on Instagram or Tiktok or DM me a photo if you make this recipe!