First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick spray to ensure your bars come out easily. This is an important step to avoid any sticky situations!
In a large bowl, combine the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, which will create a lovely filling.
After 10 minutes, add the lemon juice and corn starch to the strawberries. Stir to combine well. You should see the strawberries beginning to take on a lovely, syrupy consistency.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the rolled oats, flour, the second portion of granulated sugar, cinnamon, butter, salt, and vanilla. Start on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal. This texture is crucial for creating that delicious crumbly topping.
Now, press about 2/3 of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form the base of your Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. Make sure it’s even!
Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust. Make sure you cover the entire surface for a uniform flavor.
Take the remaining crust mixture and sprinkle it over the top of the strawberry filling. Squeeze some of the mixture into clumps to create a crumb-like topping, adding texture and visual appeal.
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A delicious smell should fill your kitchen!
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial; cutting while warm can lead to messy bars!
