These chewy oat jam bars are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with sweet fruit jam. Perfect for snacks or dessert, they are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite jam flavors.
The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. These bars are great for meal prep and can be stored for several days, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Overview of Oat Jam Bars
These oat jam bars are a delightful combination of wholesome oats and sweet fruit jam, making them an ideal snack or dessert option.
With their chewy texture and crumbly topping, they appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Whether enjoyed as a midday treat or a sweet finish to a meal, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that doesn’t require extensive preparation.
You’ll need rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, melted butter, and your choice of fruit jam.
Optional vanilla extract can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Preparation Steps
Getting started is easy and quick.
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan.
Mix your dry ingredients in a bowl, then incorporate the wet ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
After pressing the mixture into the pan, layer it with your favorite fruit jam, and top it off with the reserved oat mixture.
Finally, bake until golden brown for that perfect finish.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of these oat jam bars is their versatility.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of fruit jam, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
You can also add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch or substitute some of the flour with whole wheat for a healthier twist.
The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a great option for any occasion.
Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
They also make for a wonderful addition to lunchboxes or picnics, providing a sweet treat that is easy to transport.
Storage Tips
To keep your oat jam bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They can last for several days, making them a convenient option for busy weeks.
If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them.
Simply wrap them individually and store them in the freezer for a quick snack anytime.
Simple Oat Jam Bars Recipe
These oat jam bars feature a crumbly oat crust layered with your choice of fruit jam, baked until golden brown. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 12 bars.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fruit jam (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Press the Mixture: Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
- Spread the Jam: Evenly spread the fruit jam over the oat layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Topping: Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the jam layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g