These Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert featuring buttery oatmeal layers and sweet, tangy strawberry jam. With a chewy, crumbly texture and a fruity jam filling, these bars are the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Ideal for snacks, desserts, and sharing at family gatherings or parties.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups strawberry jam
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until a crumbly dough forms.
Layer the Bars:
Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even base layer.
Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent sticking.
Top the Jam:
Sprinkle the remaining dough over the jam layer, gently pressing it down to form a crumbly topping.
Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
Cool and Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Serving Tips:
Serving Size: These bars are rich and filling, so cutting them into 16 small squares ensures the perfect bite-sized treat. You can always cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer a lighter snack.
Pair with Beverages: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot drink. Serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk for a cozy snack or dessert.
Add a Topping: For extra indulgence, try topping each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for a picnic, family gathering, or a potluck, these bars are easy to share and will be loved by everyone. They’re portable, making them great for on-the-go snacks too!
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: If you’re planning to enjoy your bars within a few days, you can store them at room temperature. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 4-5 days.
Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the bars in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and extends their storage time to 7-10 days. To avoid moisture loss, store the bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
Freezing: If you want to keep your bars for an extended period, freezing them is an excellent option. To freeze:
Let the bars cool completely.
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When stored properly, these bars can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to soften.
Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Maintaining Texture:
Crumbly Top: The crumbly texture is one of the best parts of these bars, so be sure to let them cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape and texture. For cleaner slices, refrigerating them briefly after cooling helps solidify the jam and dough layers.
Moisture Control: When storing your bars, make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming too dry or soggy. If you’re storing them for an extended time, placing a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars can help maintain their texture.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?
Yes! While strawberry jam is the classic choice for these bars, you can easily swap it out for your favorite fruit jam. Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam are all great alternatives and will add their unique flavors to the bars. Just make sure the jam is smooth and spreadable for an even layer.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, make sure the oats you use are labeled gluten-free as some oats may be processed with gluten-containing grains. This will give you a delicious gluten-free version of the bars.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
How can I prevent the bars from being too dry?
To ensure your bars are soft and moist, avoid overbaking them. Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown top and letting the bars cool completely in the pan. If you plan to store them for a while, keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Refrigerating or freezing will help maintain their texture for longer.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are a delightful and simple dessert that combines the comfort of oatmeal with the sweet tanginess of strawberry jam. Whether you’re looking to bake something quick and easy or just want to enjoy a delicious treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying this sweet, buttery dessert in no time.
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a sweet, fruity treat with the perfect balance of chewy and crumbly texture? Look no further than these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars. With layers of buttery oatmeal and a generous spread of tangy strawberry jam, this dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a simple afternoon snack, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
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
1 1/2 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Add the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring to form a crumbly dough.
- Press half of the dough into the prepared pan to create a base layer.
- Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the base layer, leaving a small margin at the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough over the jam layer and gently press it down to form a crumbly topping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing. Refrigerate for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts.
Notes
For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
You can use any fruit jam of your choice, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a different flavor.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 220 kcal
