Blueberry Oatmeal Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Mix

01 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 - 1/4 teaspoon table salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
05 - 3/4 cup plain flour
06 - 1 cup rolled oats

→ Liquids

07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
08 - 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

→ Middle Layer

09 - 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
10 - 1/4 cup white sugar
11 - 1 cup fresh blueberries

# Instructions:

01 - Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8-inch square dish with parchment, leaving some overhang to help lift it out later.
02 - Mix together the oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla until you get a crumbly dough.
03 - Use half the crumb mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
04 - In a bowl, toss the blueberries with cornstarch and white sugar until they're fully coated. Spread this over the pressed base evenly.
05 - Scatter the rest of the crumbly dough across the blueberries, pressing gently so it sticks together.
06 - Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and blueberries are bubbly. Cool completely before lifting out with the parchment and slicing into squares.

# Notes:

01 - Grate some lemon zest into the blueberry mix for a tangy twist
02 - Swap some of the flour with almond flour for added crunchiness
03 - Keep leftovers in an airtight container—they'll stay fresh for up to five days!