Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and prepare a lightly greased square 8 x 8 cake pan.

In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour (1.5 cups), brown sugar (0.33 cup), rolled oats (1 cup), baking powder (1 teaspoon), cinnamon (1 teaspoon), salt (0.5 teaspoon), and baking soda (0.5 teaspoon). Remove cup (1) of this mixture, and place in a smaller bowl. Add the vegan butter at room temperature (0.25 cup) to the smaller bowl and using your fingers, thoroughly combine to form crumbs. This will be reserved for the topping.

In the large bowl, add unsweetened applesauce (0.5 cup) and stir to combine. Spread and press into the prepared square pan and bake for 15 minutes. Start 15m timer

Once ready, remove from oven (leave the oven on!) and let the crust cool for 5-7 minutes. Then spread the strawberry jam (0.5 cup) over the crust and crumble the remaining cup (1) crust mixture over the top and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the filling starts to bubble around the edges. Start 15m timer

Press with [parchment paper], putting slight pressure on the bars with the palm of your hand. (This helps form them so they don't crumble out of your hand!) Remove [parchment paper] after pressing. Cool completely, cut into squares, and enjoy!