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1
Preheat the oven to 350u00b0F.
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2
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
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3
To make the crust, place the softened butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Add 1 cup flour and continue whisking until a soft dough forms.
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4
Transfer the dough to the baking pan.
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5
Using a tamper, clean hands, or the bottom of a heavy glass, press the dough into an even layer.
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6
Transfer the baking pan to the middle rack of the oven.
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7
Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. While the crust bakes, prepare the streusel.
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8
Place 1/2 cup flour, oats, brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until large crumbs form. Transfer the bowl to the freezer to chill while waiting for the crust to finish baking. Do not freeze longer than 15 minutes.
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9
Remove the baking pan from the oven. Gently spread the jam in an even layer over the crust. Sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over the jam.
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10
Transfer the baking pan to the middle rack of the oven.
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11
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and the jam bubbles slightly at the edges.
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12
Remove the baking pan from the oven. Allow the bars to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
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13
Lift the bars out from the pan by pulling up on the edges of the parchment paper. Slice into squares, and serve.
