Strawberry Oatmeal Crisp Bars
A dessert for summer
Welcome to Harvest & Nourish, a celebration of the artisan breads and simple, mostly seasonal recipes made in my prairie kitchen. Click here for the evergreen index of Harvest & Nourish recipes, categorized by meal type.
Friends, hello and happy Sunday!
After 6 weeks of construction, yard and garden work and a family visit, it’s finally starting to feel like I’m getting back in the groove in the kitchen. I’ve taken the first steps toward creating an updated outdoor living, garden and storage space that will, over time, also become an extension of my kitchen. All (hopefully?) without ever having to share garden space again. Coupled with warmer weather, the garden and the markets brimming with the bounty of early summer, I’m eager to move into a fresh, new season of cooking.
Local strawberry season is fleeting, and when you pair them with a buttery sweet, vanilla oat crust and crumble, you know it’s going to be good. There’s something about warm, baked fruit with buttery, crunchy toppings. The consensus seems to be that what distinguishes fruit crisps from crumbles is the addition of oats, so allow me to introduce you to these Strawberry Oatmeal Crisp Bars. A strawberry crisp with an oat base that’s perfect for slicing into individual bars, it’s everything a strawberry dessert should be.
One of the best things about these bars is how easy they are to make. The oat crust and crumble are the same, all made in one bowl. The strawberry filling does take a few extra minutes, but the result is well worth the effort. While baking, the strawberries transform into a bright, lemon-scented, pie-like filling that’s reminiscent of homemade strawberry jam.
These bars are sweet but not too sweet, buttery and bursting with juicy berries. Ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast, brunch, snack or healthier dessert. Try them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt!
