Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

It has been quite some time since I have posted. Almost a year! This was the busiest school year yet but only one left! That's crazy to think about. It also means that I am going to need to figure out what the next step will be for me. Until then, I will continue to enjoy cooking and baking! These bars I actually made at the end of last summer. My friend Claire and I went raspberry picking, which might I add was a fabulous outing. We had planned many times to go strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry picking I don't know how many times. This time we actually made it work! Hopefully we can get out in the blueberry and strawberry patches this summer, so I can get some fresh fruit for more delicious creations!

I don't know about you, but I sure love me some raspberries! Let me tell you, these bars are full of raspberry deliciousness! If you are a fan of raspberries and chocolate, you could even add some chocolate chips or white chocolate chips. Both options would be delectable! And if you are feeling really adventurous you could add a cream cheese layer!

Only a couple more months until the raspberry season comes again! Can't wait to make these bars again and maybe indulge with some homemade ice cream! Yummy!!

Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble
Adapted from Andrea Meyers

Ingredients:

Oatmeal Crumble
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

Raspberry Filling
3 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 Tbsp. corn starch

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 Degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, spelt flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the coconut oil and vanilla. Mix until combine.
3. Pour 2/3 of the crumble mixture into a greased 8x8 baking dish. Press down firmly to form a crust.
4. In a medium size bowl, toss the raspberries, coconut sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, chia seeds, and corn starch together. Spread the filling mixture over the crust. Sprinkle on the remaining crumble mixture.
5. Bake the bars until the top is golden brown about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Enjoy!