A delicious soft oat bar recipe packed full with sweet strawberries. A tasty and healthy snack for toddlers and older kids!
My little boy has recently developed an enormous appetite. At just two years old he seems to be eating more than ever, especially when it comes to snacks. To keep up I’ve been testing easy homemade treats and these Strawberry Oat Bars have been a real winner.
The base uses a simple, wholesome mix of rolled oats, nut butter (I used peanut butter, but almond or cashew are great alternatives), coconut oil and a drizzle of honey. Fresh chopped strawberries folded into the mix give the bars a bright, summery flavour and a lovely burst of fruit in every bite.
These bars are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free, and they offer a good balance of slow-release carbohydrates and protein to keep little tummies satisfied between meals.
Note that these Strawberry Oat Bars are intentionally soft rather than crunchy or chewy like a traditional granola bar. That soft texture makes them especially suitable for younger children and toddlers because they’re easy to bite and swallow.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes. Share a photo on social media and tag me — I always enjoy seeing your pictures and how your little ones like the recipes.
Strawberry Oat Bars
4.8 from 16 reviews
Author: Ciara Attwell @ My Fussy Eater
Prep Time: 2 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8
Category: Snacks
Cuisine: European
Description
A soft, fruity oat bar filled with sweet strawberries — an easy, nutritious snack perfect for toddlers and older kids.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond or cashew)
- 3 tbsp honey, date syrup or maple syrup
- 125g / 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 100g / 0.75 cups chopped fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease and line an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) dish with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Add the nut butter and honey, stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, then press the mixture firmly into the lined dish using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- Allow the oat mixture to cool to room temperature in the dish, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is important — chilling helps the bars hold together when you cut them.
- Slice into 8 large bars or 16 smaller pieces.
- Serve straight away or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
