Name: Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup Unsalted butter; 0.5 cup Light brown sugar; 0.5 cup Sliced almonds; 1 cup White whole wheat flour (all purpose flour can be substituted); 1 cup Old fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cup Strawberry jam; 0.5 cup Sliced strawberries

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There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars. I still remember the first time I made these delightful treats with my kids on a sunny spring morning. With the aroma of strawberry jam wafting through the house, I could see their eyes light up with anticipation. These bars have become a weekend tradition; a way to kick off a day filled with adventure. The combination of whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, and sliced strawberries not only makes them wholesome but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, they never fail to bring smiles. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings when you need something delicious and nutritious to fuel your family’s day.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Blender, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

The Magic of This Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars

Deliciously Wholesome

One of the things I love most about these Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars is how wholesome they are. Packed with whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats, they provide a hearty base that gives you energy without the sugar crash. The natural sweetness from light brown sugar and strawberry jam means you don’t need to add much, keeping these bars on the healthier side.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are versatile. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home, a picnic in the park, or a school lunch, they fit perfectly. They’re easy to pack, which makes them an excellent option for on-the-go families. You can even cut them into smaller squares for a bite-sized snack that’s perfect for kids or adults alike.

Customization Galore

The recipe allows for endless customization. Want to mix in some nuts? Go ahead! Have leftover fruits? Toss them in! I’ve experimented with adding sliced almonds and even tried using sliced peaches when strawberries were out of season. Each time, the bars turn out delicious.

Freshness Guaranteed

What’s better than enjoying Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars fresh from the oven? The jam bubbling and the aroma filling the kitchen is something special. I always recommend letting them cool completely before slicing; this ensures they hold their shape and have that perfect chewy texture.

Great for Meal Prep

I often make a double batch to have some on hand for the week. They last well in the fridge and can also be frozen. Having these bars ready to grab and go has made busy mornings so much easier for our family.

Ingredient List for Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars

Using quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results with these Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars. Each component plays a unique role, ensuring the bars are not only tasty but also nutritious. The key players include whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats, which provide a delightful texture and rich flavor.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars. Opt for unsalted to control the amount of salt in your recipe.
Light brown sugar: Offers a subtle caramel flavor that complements the strawberries.
Sliced almonds: These provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the jam.
White whole wheat flour: This healthier alternative to all-purpose flour gives the bars a wholesome taste while keeping them light.
Old-fashioned oats: They contribute to the chewy texture and add fiber, making the bars more filling.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly while baking.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Strawberry jam: Provides the signature flavor and moisture that makes these bars irresistible.
Sliced strawberries: Fresh fruits add texture and a burst of flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars

Making these Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars is straightforward and fun. Just follow these steps for a delicious treat everyone will enjoy!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch pan by lining it with foil and greasing the foil. This ensures your bars come out easily after baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together for several minutes until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which helps the bars rise beautifully.
In a separate bowl, mix together sliced almonds, white whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. This is where the wholesome base of your bars begins to take shape. Make sure to stir until all dry ingredients are well combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is blended and crumbly. You want a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
Remove 1 and 1/4 cups of this mixture and set it aside for later. This reserved crumb mixture will add a delightful topping to your bars.
Dump the remaining crumb mixture into your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to evenly press the mixture into the pan. Ensure that it’s tightly packed to create a sturdy base for the bars.
Spread the strawberry jam generously over the crust. Make sure to get a nice even layer so that every bite is bursting with flavor. Then, layer on the sliced strawberries. This fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the bars. This creates a beautiful, crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the soft jam and strawberries.
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be light golden brown on top, and the jam should be bubbling around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial, as cooling will help them set. Once cool, lift the bars out using the foil and slice them into squares.

Things Worth Knowing

Texture Tips: Check the texture of your mixture; it should be crumbly yet hold together. Pressing it firmly into the pan ensures the bars are sturdy.
Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them hold their shape and enhances the texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Serving Temperature: These bars are delicious either warm or cold, making them perfect for any time of day.

Make It Your Own

Personalizing your Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars can bring out your creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tips to help you make these bars your own:

Add nuts: Include sliced almonds or even chopped walnuts for added crunch.
Incorporate spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavors and add warmth to your bars.
Fruit variations: Experiment with different fruits like blueberries or sliced peaches when strawberries are out of season.
Sweetness adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to increase the amount of light brown sugar.
Gluten-free option: Substitute white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Storage: These bars can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Delight: Serve these bars warm with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a nourishing breakfast.
Picnic Treat: Perfect for a picnic, pack them along with some fresh juice to enjoy in the great outdoors.
After-School Snack: They make a wonderful after-school snack for kids, offering a sweet pick-me-up without excessive sugar.
Brunch Gatherings: Serve as part of a brunch spread along with coffee and other pastries.
Seasonal Occasions: These bars are perfect for spring gatherings, picnics, and family get-togethers.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for as long as possible!

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe features strawberries, you can easily swap in your favorite fruits. Consider using blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. Just ensure that the fruit is ripe and sweet to maintain the delicious flavor balance. If using a juicier fruit, you may want to adjust the amount of jam to prevent the bars from becoming too wet.

To keep your Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just slice the bars and wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply replace the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. The results should be just as delicious! The texture might vary slightly but will still yield a tasty snack.

The baking time for these Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars is approximately 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is light golden brown, and the jam is bubbling around the edges. Let them cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Conclusion

These Whole Grain Strawberry Breakfast Bars are truly special for their delightful combination of flavors and textures. They offer a wholesome, satisfying treat that everyone will love. I encourage you to give them a try; you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the deliciousness and make these bars a regular in your kitchen!