Dessert

Strawberry Crumble Bars Recipe

ByJack Voss March 15, 2026March 15, 2026

Introduction

Strawberry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery oat crust with sweet, fruity preserves. Perfect for dessert or a snack, these bars offer a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that are easy to make at home.

A close-up view of nine square pieces of oat bars arranged tightly in a single layer. Each bar has a bottom layer of red jam visible at the edges, topped with a crumbly golden-brown oat streusel layer that looks crunchy and textured with oats and small chunks. Light white glaze is drizzled unevenly over the top, contrasting with the warm colors underneath. The bars are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (melted, 1 stick)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup strawberry preserves
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Divide the mixture in half. Press the first half firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. For easy removal, either spray the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper extending over the edges.
Step 4: Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the pressed crust, covering it completely to the corners. Then, crumble the remaining half of the oat mixture with your hands into large pieces and scatter them over the preserves.
Step 5: Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
Step 6: Let the bars cool completely. Meanwhile, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until you have a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bars, then cut into 12 squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh strawberry preserves or homemade jam for the best natural flavor.
Swap oats for gluten-free oats and use gluten-free flour to make these bars gluten-free.
For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts to the crumble mixture before baking.

Storage

Store the strawberry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back softness and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of nine square bars arranged in a 3x3 grid on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom is a firm, golden-brown crust, the middle layer is a dark red, jam-like filling that peeks through unevenly, and the top layer is a crumbly, light golden oat topping with small clusters and flakes. White icing is drizzled across the bars in thin, irregular lines adding a glossy contrast to the textured oat layer. The edges of the bars are sharp and clean, showing distinct separation between each piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruit preserves instead of strawberry?

Yes, any fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot work well with this recipe and give a tasty twist to the bars.

How do I prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy?

Make sure to spread the preserves evenly and not too thickly. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely before adding the glaze helps maintain a crisp topping.