Grammy's Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil.

Step 3 -Coat the foil-lined pan with cooking spray.

Step 4 -In a bowl, add the flour, the oats, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, the brown sugar, the salt, and the melted butter and stir to combine. The oat mixture should feel dry and sandy with larger, well-formed crumble pieces scattered throughout.

Step 5 -Set 1 heaping cup of the oat mixture aside.

Step 6 -Transfer the remaining oat mixture to the prepared baking pan and, using a spatula or your clean fingers, pack it into the bottom to create an even, smooth, flat crust.

Step 7 -In a large mixing bowl, add the strawberries, the remaining granulated sugar, the lemon juice, and the cornstarch and toss to combine.

Step 8 -Evenly distribute the strawberry mixture over the crust layer in the baking pan.

Step 9 -Evenly sprinkle the strawberry layer with the reserved oat mixture.

Step 10 -Bake until the edges are set, the center is just set, and the topping is a very pale golden, about 50-55 minutes. The filling mixture should be bubbling along the edges.

Step 11 -Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Do not try to slice the bars until they are cooled completely.

Step 12 -Slice and serve.