This strawberry-raspberry oatmeal bar recipe is yet another perfect recipe for a summer picnic. It essentially consists of a layer of fruit sandwiched between two layers of oatmeal cookie batter. The buttery crust is softer and more cookie-like than the traditional crumbly topping. Does life get any sweeter?
Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, flour, baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Set aside.
In a third bowl, combine strawberries, raspberries, sugar, lemon juice and corn starch. Stir to combine.
Pat 2/3 of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the strawberry-raspberry filling evenly over the top of the bottom layer. Dot the remaining oat mixture over the top of the strawberry-raspberry mixture.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes in preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the fruit is juicy and bubbly. Let cool on a wire rack, then cut raspberry oat bars into 9 pieces.
Notes
These strawberry-raspberry oatmeal bars keep well in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for several days.If you're out of fresh berries, you can replace the berries with different flavors of fruit. Ripe peaches are another favorite in our house.