Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

INGREDIENTS:

For the Strawberry Bars:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour or substitute 1:1 gluten free baking flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 6T unsalted organic butter melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy free)
• 2 cups small-diced organic strawberries about 10 ounces, divided
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1T freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1/2 small lemon
• 1T granulated sugar, divided

For the Vanilla Glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1T milk (any kind you like)

PREPARATION:

1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture, then press the rest into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Scatter half of the strawberries over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Scatter on the remaining berries, then the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top. You will have some fruit showing through.
4. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping smells toasty and looks golden. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely (you can speed this process along in the refrigerator).
5. While the bars cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, briskly whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Feel free to add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Using the parchment-paper handles, lift the bars from the pan. Drizzle with glaze, slice, and serve.  Makes 16 Servings.

NOTES:

• The recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch baking pan. The bars will be a bit thicker but will still be delicious. To make them gluten free, substitute the white whole wheat flour with a 1:1 baking mix.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, let the bars cool completely and do not glaze. Wrap tightly in plastic before placing in the freezer. Let thaw in the refrigerator and top with glaze before serving. (Bars can be frozen already glazed if needed.)
• If you want to use frozen strawberries, let them thaw completely and pat them dry before making the recipe.

NUTRITIONAL INFO: