Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Bars
These fruity oatmeal bars combine sweet strawberries with rich dark chocolate chunks in a tender almond flour base. The gluten-free oat crumble creates satisfying texture while coconut oil and coconut sugar add natural sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these bars showcase fresh strawberry flavor that bubbles through during baking. The tapioca starch helps bind the fruit filling while maintaining the bars' structured yet tender crumb. Great for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, then grease lightly
- 2
Toss strawberries with tapioca starch in a medium bowl and let stand while preparing crust
- 3
Combine almond flour, baking soda, salt, coconut oil, coconut sugar, and oats in large bowl until combined
- 4
Reserve 1 cup of crumb mixture for topping and press remaining mixture evenly into prepared pan
- 5
Bake crust for 10 minutes at 350°F
- 6
Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate over crust, then evenly distribute strawberries on top
- 7
Top with reserved crumb mixture and return to oven
- 8
Bake for another 30-35 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned
- 9
Cool completely before cutting into 16 squares
Tips
Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and proper texture
Leave any liquid from the strawberry mixture in the bowl to prevent soggy bars
Use solid coconut oil at room temperature for the best crumb texture
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered at room temperature
Serve at room temperature, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't cut bars before completely cool to avoid crumbling
Don't add strawberry liquid to prevent soggy texture
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture that could make the bars soggy.
What if I don't have tapioca starch?
Cornstarch works as a substitute in the same amount to help thicken the strawberry juices.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week for best quality.