Oatmeal Bars with Strawberry and Orange

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• Crust:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• ¾ cup shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Filling:
• 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup, or as needed
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• ¼ teaspoon grated orange zest

Step 1

Gently heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—this will help you lift the bars out later. Give the parchment a quick spray with cooking spray to keep things from sticking.

Step 2

In a big bowl, mix together the oats, whole wheat flour, coconut, almonds, ginger, and salt. Pour in half a cup of maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then stir everything until it’s well combined. Set aside about a cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3

Toss the strawberries with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, cornstarch, orange juice, and orange zest in a separate bowl. Mix until the cornstarch is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Spread this strawberry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.

Step 4

Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the strawberries, gently pressing it down so it sticks a bit.

Step 5

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the top turns golden and you see the strawberries bubbling. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Once cooled, slice into bars and enjoy!