Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Adapted from this recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Bars:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 2 cups small-diced strawberries about 10 ounces
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon  freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1/2 small lemon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Vanilla Glaze (optional but delicious, especially if you prefer a sweeter bar):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Method:

1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with oil.
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. Combine the strawberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a separate bowl. Spread evenly over the crumble mixture in the pan. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top and press down lightly. 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. Drizzle the bars with glaze, slice, and serve.

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.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you want to use frozen strawberries, let them thaw completely and pat them dry before making the recipe.