Strawberry and oat bars are a delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberry jam with the crunchy texture of oats and nuts. This type of preparation has its roots in American home baking, where fruit bars have been popular since the early 20th century as an easy and quick alternative to traditional cakes. In various Latin American countries, similar recipes can be found under names such as "oat bars with jam" or "homemade energy bars," although the specific combination with strawberry is quite common and appreciated.
In Mexico, for example, they are usually called "oat and jam bars," while in Argentina they can be found as "fruit and oat bars." In Chile, some know them simply as "homemade bars." The versatility of this recipe allows each region to adapt the ingredients according to their customs and availability, but the essence remains: a crunchy oat base with a sweet filling that makes them a preferred option for snacks or quick breakfasts.
How to Make Strawberry and Oat Bars
To begin, preheat the oven to 400°F. This will ensure the bars bake evenly and achieve a perfect crunchy texture.
Then, cream 3/4 cup of margarine and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps the bars have a sweet flavor and a smooth texture.
Add the flour combined with baking soda and salt, and mix well to evenly incorporate all the dry ingredients.
Mix in the old-fashioned oats and nuts, which will add consistency and a crunchy touch to the preparation.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture to use later as a topping.
Press the rest of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan, forming a firm and even base.
Spread the strawberry jam over this first layer, distributing it evenly so that each bar has a good filling.
Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture, covering the jam and creating a crunchy texture on the surface.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top layer turns a golden color and the base is cooked.
Let it cool so the bars solidify and are easier to cut.
Meanwhile, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 4 teaspoons of margarine over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Drizzle this chocolate mixture over the cooled crumb surface, adding an exquisite final touch.
Refrigerate the bars for 1 hour so the chocolate hardens and the flavors settle.
Finally, cut into bars of the desired size and enjoy these delicious strawberry and oat bars at any time of the day.
