Homemade Strawberry Oat Bars

These delicious snack bars feature homemade strawberry jam layered between a mixture of oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup.

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4–6 hours

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Jam:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh or frozen strawberries
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp (15 g) organic chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice

For the Oat Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups (120 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (80 g) steel-cut oats
• ½ cup (46 g) slivered almonds, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ cup (118 mL) natural peanut butter or almond butter
• ¼ cup (59 mL) coconut oil or butter, melted
• ½ cup (118 mL) maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan, line it with parchment paper (leaving overhang for easy removal), and set aside.

2. Make the Strawberry Jam:
   In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries and maple syrup over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the strawberries release their juices. Use a potato masher to mash them.

3. Add chia seeds and lemon juice. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool—it will continue thickening as it cools.

4. Prepare the Oat Mixture:
   In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, steel-cut oats, almonds, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.

5. In a small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter until it is soft to the touch. Stir in melted coconut oil (or butter) and maple syrup until well combined. Remove from heat.

6. Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until fully incorporated. The mixture should feel moist.

7. Assemble the Bars:
   Press about ¾ of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even bottom layer.

8. Spread the cooled strawberry jam evenly over the oat layer.

9. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top and gently press down.

10. Bake:
    Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.

11. Cool & Set:
    Let cool completely on a wire rack before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.

12. Slice & Store:
    Cut into bars using a hot, wet knife. Store in the refrigerator for a chewy texture or in the freezer for a firmer bar.

Enjoy!