Jam-Filled Oatmeal Bars

Name: Jam-Filled Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups rolled oats; 0.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cups packed brown sugar; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted; 0.5 cups jam

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Oh, these What are jam-filled oatmeal bars?… they’re like a warm hug in dessert form! I think they are the perfect answer to that 3 PM slump. What were the chewy Granola Bars you loved as a kid? Is this like the sophisticated, grown-up version that also happens to be ridiculously easy to understand? Is it easier to make cookies than making them? What are some of the best oats sandwiched in a sweet, fruity center? What are some of the best recipes to try?

What is Jam-Filled Oatmeal Bars?

Think of Jam-filled oatmeal bars. as a delightful cross between a crumbly oat cookie and a jam tart, but in bar form! It’s essentially a buttery oatmeal crust, both on the bottom and as a topping, with a generous layer of your favorite jam nestled in between. The beauty of these bars is that they’re rustic and unfussy – no need for perfect layers or fancy decorating. It’s just wholesome, comforting ingredients baked together into a sweet and satisfying treat. They’re the kind of thing you can whip up on a whim with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and they always disappear fast. It’s my go-to when I want something homemade but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they travel really well, so they are great for picnics and potlucks!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why are there so many of these weird things happening?What are jam-filled oatmeal bars?What are some of the best things about this Ice Cream? The combination of nutty, slightly chewy oatmeal and sweet, fruity jam is just divine. What are some of the best symphonies of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

What I love most about these are how simple they are to make. If you can stir all the ingredients together, you could make these bars. No fancy equipment required, and the whole process takes less than an hour from start to finish. What’s a lifesaver on busy nights when I need quick and easy dessert option?

What is cost-efficiency? All ingredients are pantry staples – oats, flour, butter, sugar, and jam. Nothing fancy or expensive needed! I can whip these up without breaking the bank, which is always a win in my book. And they make a big batch, so you’ll have plenty to share (or, you know, keep all to yourself!).

Is it possible to use a cigarette as What kind of jam can you use? Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blueberry… the possibilities are endless. Can you add nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture? I sometimes throw in a handful of chopped pecans for crunch. Can you customize these to your liking? What are some great recipes that can be made with sea salt? If you like the sound of Peanut Butter and jelly oatmeal bars, you can even sneak a layer of Peanut Butter and Jelly. Is there butter in there too?

They are very similar to fruit Crumble Bars or even fruit pies, but much easier and faster to make. Why do they always come out on top in my house?

How do I make Jam-Filled Oatmeal bars?

Quick Overview

Making these Jam-filled oatmeal bars.is surprisingly straightforward. How do I make oatmeal crumble? Next, you’ll spread a generous layer of your favorite jam over the crust, sprinkle the remaining jam on top, and serve. Is it necessary to spread the crumble mixture on top and bake until golden brown and bubbly? What is the whole process of resolving a problem? Is this something that even the most novice baker can make without any trouble?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why?
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached, but either works fine. If you want a slightly denser bar, try using whole wheat pastry flour for half of the all-purpose flour.
* 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Old-fashioned omelettes are what you need for that classic texture. Quick Oats are good in a pinch, but the bars will not have quite the same chewiness.
* 1 cup packed Brown Sugar: Adds a wonderful molasses-y sweetness and helps keep the bars moist. Can you use light or dark brown sugar?
* 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the bars a little lift and gives them nice, tender crumb.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes. How does cold butter make a crumbly texture?

For the Filling:
* 1 1/2 cups of your favorite jam: Strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blueberry – the choice is yours! I like to use good quality jam with a nice thick consistency. I’ve tried homemade fig jam, and it was delicious!

For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For a classic, sweet glaze. How thick is the glaze?
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable glaze. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the glaze.

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. If you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides, for easy easy cleanup. I find that a little bit of both works wonders.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, Brown Sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that baking soda works properly and that the bars have a consistent texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Mix well. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is smooth. What is a coarse crumbs? If butter is used in a mixture, it should be in small pieces. When baking, this creates pockets of fat that will melt during baking. This results in a tender and crumbly crust.

Step 4: Combine

Once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mix for the topping. What is the first step? Don’t forget it! What is the remaining mixture for baking? Press into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly to create a solid base for the filling.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Gently spread the jam evenly over the crust. Don’t be shy with jam – you want a nice thick layer! If your jam is particularly thick, you can warm it in the microwave to make it easier to eat. What are some good ways to add almond extract to a recipe?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the jam. Gently press the topping down to help it adhere to the jam. At this point, you can add some extra toppings, like chopped nuts or seeds, if you like.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbly. Make sure the topping doesn’t burn during baking. Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking to make sure that the bar doesn’t stick to the pan. Every oven is different so always keep an eye on your bars. How do you tell if a toothpick is inserted is clean?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing. If you try to glaze them while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. In a small bowl, combine cream, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Add more milk or cream as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares and serve. I like to use a sharp knife and cut them into neat, even squares. Can you dust them with powdered sugar before serving?

What should I serve it with?

These Jam-filled oatmeal bars are great forAre incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways?

For Breakfast: Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying start to your day. They’re especially delicious with a latte or cappuccino. I like to cut them into smaller squares and serve them alongside some fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.

For Brunch: Dress them up with a dollop of whipped cream and some Fresh Berries for an elegant brunch presentation. They’re also great served with a side of yogurt or granola. They’re amazing with a mimosa as well!

As Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. They’re also delicious with a glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea. This is perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them straight from the pan as a comforting afternoon snack. They’re perfect with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. My kids ask for this all the time, and I don’t mind because they’re easy!

My family loves when I serve them with a bit of warm APPLE CIDER in the fall. It’s cozy and perfect.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Jam-Filled Oatmeal Bars

Want to make these jam-filled oatmeal bars absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

Zucchini Prep: Don’t skip the step of chilling the butter! Cold butter is essential for creating that crumbly texture. If the butter gets too warm, the bars will be dense and greasy.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the crumble mixture! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Swirl Customization: Use good quality jam! The quality of the jam will have a big impact on the flavor of the bars. I recommend using a good quality jam with a nice, thick consistency. You can even use homemade jam if you have some on hand!

Ingredient Swaps: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors! You can use any jam you like, and you can also add in nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. I’ve even tried adding a little bit of lemon zest to the crumble mixture for a brighter flavor.

Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking! Every oven is different, so baking times may vary. The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the pan with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Glaze Variations: Let the bars cool completely before glazing! If you try to glaze them while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run off. You can also add a little bit of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangier flavor.

I tested a version of these with coconut oil instead of butter, and it was actually a really nice twist! The coconut flavor really complimented the raspberry jam I was using.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These jam-filled oatmeal bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This is the best option for maintaining the texture and flavor of the bars.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The bars may become slightly firmer in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to glaze them after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy or sticky during freezing.

I always individually wrap mine for easy grab-and-go snacking. It’s just easier that way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a blend that contains a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch for the best texture. You may also need to add a little bit of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum and adjust as needed. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this recipe! But, if you were making something with zucchini, it’s generally not necessary to peel it. The skin is perfectly edible and adds a bit of extra fiber and nutrients. However, if the zucchini is very large or has thick, tough skin, you may want to peel it. It really comes down to personal preference!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s a great idea! You could definitely adapt this recipe to make muffins. Simply divide the crumble mixture between 12 muffin cups, then top with the jam and remaining crumble. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll need to adjust the baking time since muffins bake faster than bars.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the crumble mixture. Start by reducing it by 1/4 cup and adjust as needed. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in place of some of the brown sugar. Just keep in mind that natural sweeteners may add a slightly different flavor to the bars. You can also look for sugar-free or reduced sugar jam options.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can skip it altogether and simply dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. Another option is to top them with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, and sugar. There are lots of delicious topping variations!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these jam-filled oatmeal bars a try! They’re such a simple, satisfying, and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a comforting afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re so easy to customize with your favorite jams and toppings! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other bar recipes for more inspiration. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!