1. Prepare the jam: Start by adding your hulled strawberries to a food processor. Pulse them until they are in small chunks—this will help in creating the perfect jam consistency. Once chopped, transfer the strawberries to a small saucepan. Pour in the water and set the heat to medium. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to let the strawberries break down and create a juicy mixture. If you feel the need, mash them a bit more for a smoother texture.
2. Add flavors: Once the strawberries are nice and saucy, stir in the honey and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined before adding in the chia seeds. These seeds are crucial as they will help thicken the jam as it cools. After mixing, remove it from the heat and let it sit at room temperature to cool completely.
3. Preheat the oven: Now that your jam is working its magic, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating, prepare an 8×8-inch baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it with coconut oil to ensure nothing sticks.
4. Make the batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the butter and brown sugar. Mix on high speed until it becomes fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. After achieving a light texture, add in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Combine dry ingredients: Next, add in the whole wheat pastry flour, old fashioned oats, salt, and baking soda. Mix on medium speed until combined; the dough may look crumbly, which is perfectly fine!
6. Add milk: While the mixer is on low speed, pour in the milk. This will help bring the dough together. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. If you want to add a twist, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips at this point!
7. Prepare to layer: Once your batter is ready, spread it evenly in the greased baking pan, making sure to cover the bottom completely. Then, take the cooled chia seed jam and spread it over the batter, leaving a little space around the edges.
8. Make the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, and the melted butter. Mix until well combined. You want it to be crumb-like, almost like a paste. This is the topping that will add texture to your squares.
9. Layer the crumb: Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously on top of the jam, ensuring it covers evenly. Now, it's time to bake! Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center doesn’t jiggle and feels set to the touch.
10. Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the squares from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 9 or 12 squares, depending on your preferred serving size. Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Chia Jam Snack Squares!