If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances wholesome oats with the sweet burst of strawberry jam, the Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars boast a crumbly, buttery oat crust layered with luscious strawberry jam that shines through each bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or an impressive dessert to share, this recipe combines simplicity and deliciousness in every square, making it a forever favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the bars. From the rich melted butter that adds moisture and flavor, to the rolled oats that give these bars a rustic texture, every component plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of crumbly and gooey.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps bind the oat crust together.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep, caramel notes and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives texture and wholesome heartiness to the bars.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure for sturdy yet tender bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars maintain a light crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam: The star component delivering vibrant fruitiness and moistness.
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars don’t stick and are easy to lift out once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and inviting. This blend forms the flavorful base that will carry your oat and jam layers.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir until it forms a crumbly dough. Don’t worry if it looks loose; this crumbly texture is exactly right for the layers.
Step 4: Press the Base Layer
Take half of your crumbly dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This base layer acts as a sturdy foundation for the jam topping.
Step 5: Spread the Strawberry Jam
Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the oat crust, but leave a small margin around the edges to create a neat jalousie effect and prevent the jam from oozing over the sides.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough over the jam layer, then gently press it down without compacting it completely. This will give you that signature crumbly and slightly crunchy topping.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Bake your bars for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden brown color on top. When the bars set and the aroma fills your kitchen, you know they are ready!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the jam and crumbs set. For cleaner, neater cuts, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before slicing into 16 squares.
How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to instantly elevate your bars. Fresh strawberry slices or a few mint leaves can add a refreshing pop of color and extra flavor to this already irresistible treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a warm cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch or dessert, they complement yogurt bowls or a scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a wooden board or layered in a pretty glass jar for picnics or parties. Cutting them into bite-sized morsels makes them ideal for sharing at gatherings, and layering with different jams can add a new twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist yet crunchy, making for a perfect quick snack the day after baking.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, pop the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or microwave a single bar for 15-20 seconds. The warmth enhances the jam’s gooey texture and the buttery oats smell absolutely heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! Although strawberry jam is classic, you can swap in raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam for a different fruity twist. Just choose a thick jam to keep the layers balanced.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, you can make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I replace brown sugar with white sugar?
While you can, brown sugar adds moistness and a subtle molasses flavor that white sugar can’t replicate. If you switch to white sugar, consider adding a teaspoon of molasses for that rich depth.
How thick should I spread the jam layer?
About 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick is perfect. Too thin, and you might not get enough fruity flavor; too thick, and the bars could get soggy or difficult to slice cleanly.
What if I want crispier bars?
For a crunchier texture, extend the baking time by 5 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning. Also, lightly toasting the oats before mixing can add a toasty note and extra crispness.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that the Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe is one of those comforting treats that brings smiles and sweet nostalgia with every bite. Simple to make and wonderfully tasty, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you can say “jam bars!”
Print
Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars featuring a buttery oat crust and a sweet strawberry jam filling. Perfectly crumbly and easy to make, these bars are a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently until a crumbly dough forms, making sure ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Base Layer: Press half of the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and even base layer for the bars.
- Spread Jam Layer: Evenly spread 1 1/2 cups of strawberry jam over the base layer, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Topping Layer: Sprinkle the remaining half of the dough evenly over the strawberry jam and gently press down to form a crumbly topping layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain their shape. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
- Refrigerating the bars before slicing helps to achieve neat and clean cuts.
- Substitute strawberry jam with any other fruit jam to vary flavors.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
