Blackberry Breakfast Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups blackberries or 2 cups raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of berries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 8 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of oats, 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted margarine and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping.
3. Press the remaining oat mixture into an ungreased 9x9x2 inch pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
4. Once the crust is baked, carefully spread the berry filling over the top. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top and lightly press it into the filling.
5. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the topping is nicely browned.
6. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.