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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Jam Layer: Spread the strawberry jam over the base layer evenly, leaving a small margin around the edges for sealing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
