Peach Crumb Bars with Rolled Oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized lumps remaining.
3. Press exactly half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the base is just set.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the diced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and nutmeg until evenly coated and the cornstarch has dissolved.
5. Remove the hot base from the oven. Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the crust, smoothing it with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top naturally for a rustic appearance.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling at the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown.
8. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then transfer to the refrigerator for 2 hours before lifting the parchment paper and slicing into 24 squares.