These bars are great for breakfast or tea-time parties. It is a little bit chewy and sweet. I made homemade strawberry filling (jam) but you can replace it with store-bought strawberry jam for convenience.
Ingredients:
Dough for crust and topping
3/4 to 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Note: Use ¾ cup for an 8”x 8” pan and 1 cup for a 9”x 9” pan
1+1/2 to 1+3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1+1/2 to 1+3/4 cups Old-fashioned oats
Note: Use 1+3/4 cups for an 8”x 8” pan, and 1+3/4 cups for a 9”x 9” pan
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract, optional
1 tsp ground cinnamon, optional
Filling:
1 pint (about 3 cups) fresh strawberry, clean and cut into pieces
1/4 cup (4 tbsp) cornstarch/tapioca starch
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp water if needed
Method:
1. Prepare the filling by mixing strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch until coated in a pot.
2. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add some water if needed. Stir constantly until the strawberry is soft and the sauce is thickened.
3. Set it aside to cool and keep it in the fridge until needed. Then puree it in the blender. You can use it as is if you want or use store-bought strawberry jam instead. The filling can be made a day ahead.
4. Prepare the dough by mixing all of the dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using in a bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, melt the butter, then add brown sugar, and vanilla, and mix well.
6. Pour the butter mixture into the dry mixture and mix well. Divide the dough into 2 portions.
7. Spread one portion of the dough into the bottom of a square baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a glass to press down the dough firmly.
8. Bake the crust at 350 deg. F for 10-12 minutes or until set. Let cool completely.
9. Pour and spread the strawberry filling over the prepared crust evenly. Then distribute the topping portion over the strawberry layer evenly.
10. Bake another 25-30 minutes until lightly brown.
11. Let cool completely. Chill the pan in the fridge for several hours or overnight before cutting into bars.
23 окт 2024
