Oatmeal Jam Bars
Quick and easy, one-bowl sweet treat recipe. These oatmeal jam bars require a few simple ingredients and can be easily adaptable to any diet requirement such as gluten-free, vegan, or egg-free.
These bars are made with an oatmeal crumble that serves as both the base and topping of this bar. With additions such as acai superfood powder and date sugar instead of granulated sugar, these oatmeal jam bars are a great breakfast on the go or snack time treat.
pro tips
- read the recipe: read the recipe in its entirety before starting.
- mise en place: weigh and prep all ingredients and supplies at the beginning.
- room temperature ingredients: pull out all cold ingredients from the fridge and bring them to room temperature before using, unless the recipe states otherwise.
- equipment varies: remember every oven is different so time and temperature may vary. Invest in an oven thermometer to make sure you are baking at the correct temperature. Food processors and blenders vary in power so it may take longer or shorter to puree ingredients.
equipment
ingredient notes
- rolled oats: be sure to use gluten-free oats if you are making these gluten-free.
- all-purpose flour: I always use King Arthur brand flours in my recipes because of their quality consistency. Use your favorite gluten-free blend for gluten-free bars.
- date sugar: I use Anthony’s date sugar because I trust the brand and also want to add the nutritional benefits of dates.
- jam: any flavor you have on hand or desire will work
- fresh fruit: feel free to add up to a 1/2 cup of fresh fruit to elevate this jam bar recipe. Chopped strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, diced apples, kiwi slices, and so many more will be a great addition.
- superfood powder: an easy way to add more nutritional value without compromising the texture of the bars. Some terrific examples are matcha powder, acai powder, turmeric, hemp seed powder, or chia seeds.
- earl grey tea: I’m a sucker for some earl grey flavor. I tend to add it to a lot of my recipes. It’s completely optional but at least try it once.
recipe instructions
step one: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep an 8×8 pan with a little butter then fit with parchment paper, leaving the overhang.
step two: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine all of the ingredients at low speed. Add the softened butter pieces and continue to mix on low speed until a crumble formed, about 5 minutes.
step three: Pour about two thirds of the crumble into the prepared pan and press into an even layer. I like to use a cup with a smooth bottom to press the dough.
step four: Using a small offset spatula, spread the jam onto the bottom crust. You can warm the jam up in the microwave if it is too cold to manipulate. If you are using fresh fruit, add it on top of the jam.
step five: Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top of the jam from edge to edge. Gently press the crumble into the jam.
step six: Bake for 35-45 minutes, rotating the pan from front to back to ensure even baking. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting or you’ll make a mess. Patience. You can eat them soon.
Oatmeal Jam Bars
Equipment
- 1 Stand mixer
Ingredients
- 180 g rolled oats
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 150 g brown sugar
- 50 g date sugar or granulated sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp earl grey tea leaves optional
- 1 tsp acai powder or any superfood powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 226 g butter room temperature
- 10 oz jam any flavor
- ½ cup fresh fruit pieces optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Prep an 8×8 pan with a little butter or pan spray and fit with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Add all dry ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until combined. Add butter and continue to mix on low speed until crumbles have formed.
- Pour two-thirds of the crumble into the pan and press into a smooth, even layer. Top with the jam and smooth out. Add the fresh fruit, if using.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top of the jam and gently press it down into the jam.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes. The jam should be just starting to bubble and the crumble will be a nice golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
oatmeal jam bar variations
The beauty of this oatmeal jam bar recipe is that you can use any flavor of jam you desire, any or no fresh fruit, and any superfood powder you want. Here are some flavor combinations you can try:
- strawberry jam with freshly sliced bananas
- blueberry jam with sliced strawberries
- raspberry rhubarb jam with acai powder
- blackberry jam with fresh blackberries
storage tips
Keep baked oatmeal jam bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days for best flavor retention. You can keep them on the counter for 3 days, but if you are using fresh fruit, it’s best to store them in the fridge.
You can freeze the bars for up to a month.
More bar recipes…
Easiest Cocoa Brownies Recipe, Rich Pistachio Halva Brownies, Decadent S’mores Blondies Recipe
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