Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust & Crumble

01 - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
02 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Strawberry Filling

08 - 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
09 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens. Let cool slightly, then spread evenly over the crust.
04 - Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
05 - Let bars cool completely before slicing. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

# Notes:

01 - Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries.
02 - For a healthier version, use coconut sugar and whole wheat flour.
03 - Make it gluten-free by using oat flour and certified gluten-free oats.