In honor of the brief break from the fourth, maybe fifth (I’ve lost track) polar vortex that has plagued the East Coast, and because it was 57 degrees today (woohoo!) I bring you these delicious strawberry blackberry oat bars. These strawberries and blackberries had been in the fridge for a bit and were looking a little wrinkly, so instead of tossing them, they went to good use.

Mix the berries with the sugar and corn starch first. This gives the fruit time to release their juices.

  
Dry ingredients: check! Butter: Check!

  
Crust and berries ready.

Strawberry Blackberry Oat Bars

Filling:
2   cups total strawberries & blackberries (or other mixed berries)
1/4  cup sugar
1     teaspoon cornstarch

Crust:
1     cup all purpose flour
1/2  cup whole wheat flour
3/4  cup oats
1/2  cup sugar
1     tablespoon wheat germ
1/2  teaspoon baking powder
1/2  cup cold butter, cubed
1     egg white

Preheat oven to 350. Cut a piece of parchment paper for an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan so the edges stick out.

Cut up strawberries and blackberries and mix with other filling ingredients.

Mix together all crust ingredients with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Set aside 1/4 to 1/2 cup mixture for the topping. Pour the rest of the crust into the pan and press into the bottom. Spread berry mixture over crust and top with the remaining crumble mixture.

Bake for 50 minutes or until top is golden. Let cool for 5 minutes, then use parchment paper to remove and move to cooling rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!