Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor and wholesome texture, let me introduce you to the delightful Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe. This scrumptious dessert masterfully combines the chewy, nutty goodness of rolled oats with the vibrant sweetness of strawberry jam, all resting on a buttery, crumbly crust that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a casual afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars bring comfort and joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor and texture that are genuinely satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role in making these bars perfect—from the creamy butter that binds and enriches, to the strawberry jam that adds a fruity pop of color and taste.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bring the oat mixture together for that perfect crumbly texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides a deep sweetness and slight caramel notes that balance the fruitiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The star ingredient for chewy, wholesome texture and a rustic look.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure so the bars hold together beautifully while staying tender.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps give a slight lift for lightness without compromising the crumbly feel.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam: Imparts juicy, sweet strawberry flavor and its vibrant red hue for a dazzling presentation.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out cleanly without sticking, making it easier to enjoy their beautiful layers.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious blend forms the flavorful base that holds all the dry ingredients together and sweetens your bars naturally.

Step 3: Incorporate the dry ingredients

Add oats, flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir everything gently until it combines into a crumbly dough. This texture is key as it will create both the crunchy base and the delightful topping.

Step 4: Create the base layer

Press half of the crumbly dough into the prepared pan evenly and firmly to create a sturdy crust that will support the luscious jam layer.

Step 5: Add the strawberry jam

Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the oat base, taking care to leave a small margin around the edges to prevent overflowing while baking and to keep edges crispy.

Step 6: Top with remaining dough

Sprinkle the rest of the dough over the jam layer, then gently press it down with your hands to form a crumbly topping. This gives your bars that classic oatmeal jam bar look and satisfying texture.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the jam layer is bubbly around the edges.

Step 8: Cool and slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting into delightful squares that hold their shape perfectly.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe, try garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh strawberry slices. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a luxurious touch as well.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderfully versatile. Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this simple dessert into an indulgent delight perfect for gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not cut the bars into mini bite-sized squares for parties? Layer them between wax paper in a pretty tin for a charming homemade gift, or stack them on a rustic wooden platter alongside fresh fruit and nuts for a stunning dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crumbly texture intact and the jam deliciously soft.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months, making them a convenient sweet treat for future cravings.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, simply reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave a single piece for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back their fresh-baked charm with a melty, comforting texture.

FAQs

Can I use different jam flavors?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic for this recipe, you can substitute raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam for a fun twist that keeps the same great texture.

What if I don’t have rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for the texture and structure of these bars. Instant oats might make the bars too mushy, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough during baking.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How do I get neat slices from crumbly bars?

Cooling completely and chilling the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing is key to neat bar shapes. Use a sharp knife and warm the blade between cuts for extra clean edges.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce the brown sugar, but keep in mind this may affect the texture and sweetness. Since the jam also adds sweetness, you might find a small reduction works fine without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the comforting combination of oats and sweet strawberry jam in the Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that feels homemade and heartwarming every time. Once you try making these bars, they may just become your go-to recipe for any occasion needing a touch of sweet nostalgia. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 53 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are a delightful combination of buttery oat crumble and sweet strawberry jam. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars offer a satisfying texture with a fruity filling, all baked to golden perfection.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Topping

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Form Base Layer: Press half of the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a firm base layer for the bars.
5. Add Jam Layer: Spread the strawberry jam over the base layer evenly, leaving a small margin around the edges for sealing.
6. Create Topping Layer: Sprinkle the remaining dough over the jam layer and gently press it down to form a crumbly topping that covers the jam.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the bars turn golden brown and the topping is set.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing into 16 pieces.

Notes

• Using old-fashioned rolled oats provides the best texture, but quick oats can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
• Ensure the butter is melted but not hot to prevent cooking the sugar prematurely.
• Letting the bars chill before cutting helps maintain clean edges and easier serving.
• You can substitute strawberry jam with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for different flavors.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American