Strawberry Oat Bars

These Strawberry Oat Bars offer a delightful combination of chewy oats and sweet, tangy strawberries. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of almond, they strike a perfect balance between traditional flavors and a creative twist. Ideal for breakfast or a midday snack, these bars are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a great choice for a healthy treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and a tablespoon of sugar if desired. Let sit for a few minutes.
5. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust, then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strawberries are bubbly. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.