Raspberry Oatmeal Bars: A Sweet, Healthy Treat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough comes together. It will be a bit crumbly.

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a smoother filling, you can mash the raspberries with a fork or blend them briefly in a food processor. Let the filling cool slightly.

Assemble the Bars:
Press about 2/3 of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the crust, then crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top to form the topping.

Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Serve:
Once the bars have cooled, slice them into squares and serve. These bars are great on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Serving and Storage Tips: