Description
Strawberry Oat Bars are made with steel cut oats, natural peanut butter and a strawberry chia jam filling. They’re gluten-free and vegan, and with just 10 ingredients, these wholesome breakfast bars are perfect for meal prepping!
Ingredients
For the jam filling:
- 3 cups chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons chia seeds
For the oat mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup gluten-free steel cut oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, smooth and salted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup virgin, cold pressed coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the jam filling: In a small sauce pan, add the strawberries and maple syrup. Bring to a low boil and let simmer until the strawberries have softened. Mash with a fork or potato masher. Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes to allow the chia seeds to plump.
- Prepare the oat mixture: Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with over-hanging parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, sugar and salt. In a small microwaveable bowl, add the peanut butter, maple syrup and coconut oil. Microwave for two 30-second intervals, stirring in between and after until melted together and runny. Pour over oat mixture and stir until well combined. (The mixture will be wet).
- Assemble the bars: Add about two-thirds of the oat mixture to the prepared pan and press down to form a firm bottom layer. Spread the jam filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam and press down lightly. Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before transferring to the refrigerator to firm up.
- Storage: Cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- This recipe hasn’t been tested with shelf stable peanut butter, so I recommend sticking with natural peanut butter. If you’re looking for a substitute, try natural almond butter, or for a nut-free version, try seed butter.
- If you don’t have salted nut or seed butter, you can just add an extra pinch of salt to the oat mixture.
- Be sure to check out the FAQ as well as the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.