Meal: Dessert    
Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Vegan 
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes 
Serves: 10 

The Dish
Every now and then we all get a hankering for something sweet. This recipe is the perfect craving controller. Made using wholesome ingredients, these homemade bars will be your new favorite go-to sweet treat.

The strawberry filling (made using fresh or frozen strawberries) removes the processed sugar (from other typical jam or jelly fillings) by using pure maple syrup. The crust and crumble topping is made using oats and whole wheat flour, with your choice of either butter or coconut oil. Baked until bubbly and golden brown, enjoy these cookie bars as a snack or as an after dinner dessert. 

As usual, we’d love to hear what you think of this recipe, so leave us a comment or post your review (with a pic!) here or on the Community page. Let us know what other kinds of Healthy Recipes you’d like to see. We’re always looking for good ideas.

Ingredients

Strawberry Filling: 
2 1/2 cups (350 g) fresh or frozen strawberries 
1/2 lemon, juiced 
3 tablespoons (45 ml) maple syrup 
2 teaspoons (5 g) cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoons (15 ml) water 

Crust & Crumble:
1 1/2 cups (265 g) oats 
1 cup (150 g) whole wheat flour 
1/2 cup (120 g) maple syrup 
1/2 cup (113 g) butter or coconut oil, melted 
1/4 teaspoon (2 g) salt 
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract 

Preparation 

• Combine strawberries, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat. -Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, and cook until the strawberries soften and begin to break down, about 8-10 minutes. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain thoroughly so filling doesn’t turn out too watery.  
• Add dissolved cornstarch and stir until thickened. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature or refrigerate until ready to use.   
• Preheat oven to 375°F or 190°C. 
• In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, maple syrup, butter, salt, and vanilla. Stir until crumbly and blended. 
• Lightly grease a casserole dish with pan release spray and press 3/4 of the mixture into the bottom, forming the bottom crust. 
• Spoon strawberry filling on top and spread out evenly. Sprinkle remaining oat mix on top. 
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until strawberry filling is bubbly and oat crumble has turned golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes. 
• Cut into bars before serving.  

Vegetarian and Vegan Modifications: Coconut oil (in place of butter) works just as well in this recipe for a vegan adaptation.  

Gluten Free Modifications: N/A  

Thoughts from a Registered Dietitian: What does fiber do? Soluble versus insoluble fiber