Strawberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced
• 3 cups chopped strawberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Juice and zest of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make crust: Combine oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and butter in a bowl. Use your hands to work butter into the mixture until it forms a dough-like consistency. Press 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan.
3. Bake crust: Bake crust for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. Make strawberry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Thicken filling: Whisk together lemon juice and cornstarch. Pour into strawberry mixture and stir until thickened.
6. Assemble: Pour strawberry filling over the baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb topping and chopped nuts or white chocolate chips (if using).
7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until jam is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool: Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the strawberry filling.
• For a tangy kick: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or orange zest to the strawberry filling.
• For a crunchy texture: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumb topping.
• For a chocolatey flavor: Use dark chocolate chips and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the crumb topping.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Strawberry Crumble Bars!