Oatmeal Bars with Fruit Preserves Recipe

Introduction

Oatmeal bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines a buttery oat crust with a sweet layer of fruit preserves. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these bars offer a delightful balance of chewy texture and fruity flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup fruit preserves or jam (raspberry, strawberry, or your choice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
4. Step 4: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even base.
5. Step 5: Spread the fruit preserves gently over the base in an even layer, being careful not to disturb the crust.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly on top and gently press it down.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, mix in ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture before baking.
• Try different fruit preserves like apricot or blueberry for a unique twist.
• Use gluten-free oats and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• If you prefer softer bars, bake for a few minutes less, checking frequently.

Storage

Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven until slightly soft and warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats can be used but the texture will be softer and less chewy compared to old-fashioned rolled oats.

Can I substitute the fruit preserves with fresh fruit?

Fresh fruit can be used but may add extra moisture, which can affect the texture. It’s best to chop and drain fresh fruit before spreading it on the bars.

Oatmeal Bars with Fruit Preserves Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

These delicious Oatmeal Bars feature a crumbly oat and brown sugar base layered with sweet fruit preserves, then topped with a golden oat crumble. Perfectly baked to provide a satisfying balance of chewy and crisp textures, they make a great snack or dessert for any occasion.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

• ¾ cup fruit preserves or jam (raspberry, strawberry, or your choice)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract into the dry mixture and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
4. Form Base Layer: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid base.
5. Spread Jam Layer: Gently spread the fruit preserves or jam evenly over the oat base, being careful not to disturb the crust layer.
6. Add Top Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the jam layer and gently press it down for even coverage.
7. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 equal squares for serving.

Notes

• Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.
• You can substitute fruit preserves with fresh fruit or a nut butter for variation.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.

Keywords: oatmeal bars, fruit preserves bars, baked oatmeal bars, easy dessert bars, homemade granola bars