Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch pan by lining it with foil and greasing the foil. This ensures your bars come out easily after baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together for several minutes until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which helps the bars rise beautifully.
In a separate bowl, mix together sliced almonds, white whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. This is where the wholesome base of your bars begins to take shape. Make sure to stir until all dry ingredients are well combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is blended and crumbly. You want a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
Remove 1 and 1/4 cups of this mixture and set it aside for later. This reserved crumb mixture will add a delightful topping to your bars.
Dump the remaining crumb mixture into your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to evenly press the mixture into the pan. Ensure that it’s tightly packed to create a sturdy base for the bars.
Spread the strawberry jam generously over the crust. Make sure to get a nice even layer so that every bite is bursting with flavor. Then, layer on the sliced strawberries. This fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the bars. This creates a beautiful, crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the soft jam and strawberries.
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be light golden brown on top, and the jam should be bubbling around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial, as cooling will help them set. Once cool, lift the bars out using the foil and slice them into squares.
