Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

I didn't really know what to expect with this one going into it. I had looked at different recipes online for things to do with strawberries and oats and found a recipe that looked like a good, crispy oat crumble bar but some of my ingredients were different so I went with what I had and what came out was delicious! I wouldn't consider this a dessert, it is more like a hearty breakfast bar. It is not too sweet but juuuuuust enough. Soft textured, oatmeal feels, homemade strawberry jam goodness and all the good stuff inside. You could use coconut nectar or date syrup in place of maple or agave and use any kind of berry you want! I think this would be good with black berries too! It was super simple to put together and thankfully all my boys like it! I hope you do too!

INGREDIENTS:

For the strawberry jam:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup or agave
• 1/2 small juiced lemon (about 2 Tbsp)
  
• 3 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the oat bars and crumble:

• 1.5 cups oat flour
• 1.5 cups old fashioned oats
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1.5 cups unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Make the jam:

1. Roughly chop the strawberries. Add strawberries, maple syrup and lemon juice to a medium saucepan and heat over medium.
2. Heat until the strawberries begin to soften and become almost mushy, about 15 minutes.
3. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash up the strawberries so it has the appearance of a chunky jam.
4. Add in the chia seeds and vanilla extract and allow to cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the jam to cool and thicken.

Make the bars and crumble:

1. Preheat oven to 375F and prepare an 10 inch baking dish by lining it with a sheet of unbleached parchment paper, leaving a few inches of hang on the sides so it is easy to remove. 
2. Add the oat flour, rolled oats, baking powder and cinnamon to a large bowl and mix well.
3. Add in the apple sauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined and a wet batter is formed.
4. Transfer 2/3 of the batter mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula and spread out the batter evenly. Spoon 2/3 of the cooled jam over the top, and spread it out evenly, leaving a little bit of crust untouched.
5. Add clumps of the remaining oat mixture on top evenly.
6. Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns a golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to fully cool in pan before cutting into bars.
7. Add the remaining jam over the top of the cooked (it is so yummy fresh!) and enjoy!

(Inspired by Running With Spoons Strawberry Banana Oat Bars)