Sunshine Start: Strawberry Orange Oatmeal Bars Recipe

These Strawberry Orange Oatmeal Bars are a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for a breakfast on-the-go, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert. The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty orange, and hearty oatmeal creates a truly delightful treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. These bars are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Prepare to brighten your day with every bite!

## Why You’ll Love These Bars

* **Flavorful Fusion:** The pairing of sweet strawberries and bright orange is a classic for a reason. The flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a vibrant and refreshing taste.
* **Healthy & Wholesome:** Made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour (or gluten-free blend), and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, these bars are a much healthier alternative to processed snacks.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even as a light dessert. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on hikes.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different fruits, nuts, or seeds.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Oats:** Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) are the base of these bars, providing texture and fiber. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different.
* **Flour:** I typically use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend will also work well. The flour helps to bind the ingredients together.
* **Strawberries:** Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used. If using frozen, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid.
* **Orange:** You’ll need both the zest and juice of an orange. The zest adds a concentrated burst of flavor, while the juice provides moisture and enhances the citrus notes.
* **Maple Syrup or Honey:** These natural sweeteners add sweetness and moisture to the bars. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Coconut Oil:** Melted coconut oil helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle coconut flavor. You can substitute with melted butter or another neutral oil.
* **Vanilla Extract:** A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
* **Baking Powder:** Baking powder helps the bars to rise slightly and become tender.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds), shredded coconut, chocolate chips.

### Detailed Ingredients List

* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose or gluten-free blend)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter or neutral oil)
* 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
* 1/4 cup orange juice (from about 1/2 orange)
* 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **Fruit Filling:**
* 2 cups chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **8×8 inch baking pan:** This is the ideal size for these bars.
* **Parchment paper:** Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars after baking.
* **Mixing bowls:** You’ll need two mixing bowls – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Citrus zester:** For zesting the orange.
* **Citrus juicer (optional):** To easily juice the orange.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect batch of Strawberry Orange Oatmeal Bars:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring clean cuts.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures consistent texture and rise in the baked bars.

**Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients**

* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

**Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars. A few streaks of flour are okay.

**Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling**

* Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the oat mixture. Ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 6: Assemble and Bake**

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
* If desired, sprinkle the top with extra oats, chopped nuts, or seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.

**Step 7: Cool and Cut**

* Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important because cutting them while they’re warm can cause them to crumble. Cooling allows the bars to firm up and hold their shape.
* Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
* Cut into 16 squares or desired size.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients will result in the best flavor.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a little more maple syrup or honey.
* **Let Cool Completely:** Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for the best texture.
* **Storage:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2 months).

## Variations and Additions

* **Different Fruits:** Substitute the strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can also use chopped peaches or apples.
* **Nuts and Seeds:** Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch. Seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds add nutritional value and texture.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence. Dark chocolate chips complement the fruit flavors nicely.
* **Citrus Variations:** Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Nut Butter:** Swirl a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter) into the batter before baking for added richness and flavor.
* **Vegan Option:** Use maple syrup as the sweetener and ensure your flour blend is vegan-friendly.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Breakfast:** Enjoy a bar with a glass of milk or yogurt for a quick and healthy breakfast.
* **Snack:** Pack a bar in your lunchbox or take it on the go for a satisfying snack.
* **Dessert:** Serve a bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a light dessert.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The bright citrus and sweet strawberry flavors pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per bar, based on 16 servings and using whole wheat flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil):

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Printable Recipe Card

## Enjoy your Sunshine Start Strawberry Orange Oatmeal Bars!

This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly delicious and nourishing. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and make it your own. Happy baking!