Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares

Name: Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 squares
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced; Optional: nuts or seeds for topping

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love beginning my mornings with a warm slice of these Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares. They are not just easy to whip up, but they also fill my kitchen with the sweet scent of fresh strawberries and oats. Every bite is a delightful balance of fruity goodness and wholesome grains, perfect for breakfast or a snack. As they bake, the strawberries become wonderfully jammy, complementing the toasty oats beautifully. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation.

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:49:36.228Z

When I first baked Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares, I didn’t expect them to be such a hit with my family. They devoured them while still warm, and the blend of strawberries and oats was simply irresistible! I learned that using fresh strawberries definitely enhances the flavor, but frozen berries work just as well if they’re what you have on hand.

One of my tips is to let the squares cool for a few minutes before slicing; it makes for much cleaner cuts. I also love that these can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making breakfast prep even easier for busy mornings!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Wholesome oats blended with sweet strawberries for a nutritious start to your day
Easy to prepare and perfect for batch cooking ahead of time
Versatile recipe; swap in different fruits based on season or preference

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares lies in rolled oats, which are not only nutritious but also provide a delightful chewy texture. When baked, the oats absorb moisture and flavors from the other ingredients, becoming soft yet retaining a satisfying bite. For an extra boost, consider using whole grain oats; they contain more fiber and nutrients. If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply choose certified gluten-free oats, ensuring the squares remain safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Strawberries, the star of this recipe, add natural sweetness and a lovely fruitiness. When selecting strawberries, opt for those that are ripe and fragrant—they should be bright red with no white or green spots. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to substitute with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries, or even diced apples or peaches during their peak seasons. Each alternative brings its unique flavor, enriching the overall taste of the squares.

Mastering the Baking Process

Preheating the oven is a crucial step that should not be skipped, as it ensures even baking right from the start. For best results, verify that your oven reaches the set temperature before placing the baking dish inside. A simple way to check if your oven is ready is to use an oven thermometer, particularly if your oven tends to run hot or cool. This process impacts the final texture; if baked too long at a low temperature, the squares might end up dry instead of soft and chewy.

When pouring the mixture into the baking dish, it's important to spread it evenly to guarantee uniform baking. I recommend using a spatula to smooth the top. Keep an eye on the squares during baking; look for a golden brown color on top, which typically takes about 30 minutes. If you find the edges browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to finish baking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious batch of Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares:

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Optional: nuts or seeds for topping

Make sure to mix well and enjoy these oatmeal squares baked to perfection!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or syrup), milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.

Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold the diced strawberries into the oat mixture until evenly incorporated.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Cool and Slice

Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

These oatmeal squares make a perfect breakfast or snack option!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these squares by adding your favorite nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These squares can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent option for busy mornings. Once they have cooled completely, slice them into squares and store in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer shelf life. When freezing, it’s best to separate the squares with parchment paper to prevent sticking, allowing for easy grabbing when you need a quick snack or breakfast.

To reheat, simply pop the squares in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds if they’re frozen or around 10-15 seconds if they’re refrigerated. Alternatively, you can warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven until heated through. This allows the squares to regain their soft texture and will give you that freshly baked aroma once again!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Squares are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for added protein and flavor. Fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts can also enhance the dessert-like quality, making them indulgent enough for an afternoon treat. A scattering of chia seeds on top before baking can introduce a pleasant crunch as well as additional nutrients.

For an enticing flavor twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients, giving your squares a warm, inviting aroma. You can also experiment by folding in additional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or shredded coconut to diversify the taste and texture. Always remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly if adding highly sweet ingredients to maintain balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just let them thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the mixture.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk to make it vegan.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

You can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet oatmeal square.