Strawberry Oatmeal Bars: Jammy Center

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized lumps.
4. Press exactly two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid base.
5. In a separate medium bowl, gently toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
6. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the pressed oat base.
7. Spoon the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries, allowing it to fall naturally in clumps rather than pressing it down.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is mahogany-colored and the strawberry juices are bubbling slightly at the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing.