Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars

Delicious, Sweet, and oh so healthy! These Crisp Bars are tasty but also, vegan, gluten-free, low in sugar, and can be changed for whatever is in season

Serving Size: 16 Small Bars or 8 Large Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (80 grams) rolled oats
• 3/4 cup (95 grams) plus up to 2 tablespoons (15 grams) extra all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (95 grams) light brown sugar
• Heaped 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, but helps firm up the filling)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup (125 grams) small-diced rhubarb (from about 1 1/2 medium stalks)
• 1 cup (155 grams) small-diced strawberries
• Powdered sugar, for decoration, if desired

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. For easy removal, line bottom and two sides of 8-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Place oats, 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar and salt in the bottom of baking pan and mix. Pour melted butter over, and stir until clumps form. If the clumps feel soft or look overly damp, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture. Press the rest of the crumb mixture evenly in the bottom of the pan.
3. Spread half the fruit over the crust. Sprinkle it evenly with cornstarch, then lemon juice, and 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Spread remaining fruit over this, and top with second 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Scatter reserved crumbs over fruit and bake bars for 30 to 40 minutes (firmer fruits will take longer), until fruit is bubbly and crisp portion is golden and smells toasty.
4. Let cool in pan or fridge where they become crisp once chilled (less so at room temperature). Cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge.

source: www.smittenkitchen.com