Healthy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Oat Bars

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, natural flavor of fresh strawberries, especially when paired with hearty oats and creamy mashed bananas. These Strawberry Oat Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with juicy fruit in every bite. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, this recipe has you covered. With just three simple ingredients, these bars are easy to make and packed with natural sweetness.

Unlike store-bought granola bars that are often filled with added sugars and preservatives, these homemade bars let you enjoy a wholesome treat without any guilt. Bananas act as both a natural sweetener and binder, while rolled oats provide fiber to keep you full and satisfied. The strawberries add a fresh, fruity flavor that makes these bars feel indulgent, even though they’re completely free of refined sugar.

Best of all, these bars come together in just 10 minutes of prep and bake in under half an hour. They store well, making them perfect for meal prep or busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go option. Whether you enjoy them as-is or add extra toppings like nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of chocolate, these Strawberry Oat Bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 9 bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned for the best texture)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (acts as a natural sweetener and binder)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (adds warmth and enhances the sweetness)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds (for a crunchy texture)

How to Make Strawberry Oat Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the bars later.

2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture, leave some small banana pieces intact.

3. Add the oats to the mashed bananas and stir well to coat. The oats should absorb the banana mixture and create a sticky, dough-like consistency.

4. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as strawberries release moisture and can make the batter too wet.

5. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula. This helps the bars hold their shape after baking.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the bars feel firm to the touch. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of your strawberries.

7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is crucial, as the bars continue to set as they cool. Cutting them too soon may cause them to fall apart.

8. Slice into squares or bars and enjoy! These are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips & Tricks

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and binding power. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can mash them with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Experiment with different fruits by swapping the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even diced apples.
• For a crunchier texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before baking.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• Made with just three wholesome ingredients
• Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free
• Perfect for meal prep—make ahead and enjoy all week
• Soft, chewy, and filled with real fruit flavor
• Great for kids and adults alike

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