If you’re in the mood for a dessert that feels like a comforting hug in every bite, the Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe is just what you need. These bars blend a perfect balance of buttery oats with the sweet, tangy burst of strawberry jam, creating a treat that is both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re baking for a casual family get-together or craving a snack that pairs beautifully with your afternoon tea, these bars hit every note of sweet and satisfying with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a sensational dessert. Each element plays its part: from the rich butter that adds moisture and flavor, to the oats that bring hearty texture, and the jam that provides that classic fruity sweetness and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these bars in no time.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the oat mixture for that perfect crumbly texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep caramel sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and wholesome goodness in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure and a soft yet sturdy base and topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and ensures a tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam: The star ingredient that brings bright, fruity flavor and a lovely, sticky filling.
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or better yet, line it with parchment paper for an easy lift-out later. This simple prep ensures your bars bake evenly and come out clean and neat after slicing.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend forms the sweet, buttery backbone of your bars and helps the dry ingredients meld perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt directly to your wet mixture. Toss everything together until crumbly dough forms. This is the signature texture of the bars – think crumbly but cohesive, with hearty oats that offer a lovely chew.
Step 4: Press the Base Layer
Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly but evenly into the bottom of your pan. This base will become the sturdy crust that holds your jam securely and bakes into a golden, crisp foundation.
Step 5: Spread the Strawberry Jam
Now it’s time for the star of the show – the strawberry jam! Spread it evenly over the base, leaving a bit of space around the edges to prevent spilling over as the jam warms and bubbles during baking.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer, then gently press it down just enough to stick together but still keep that delightfully crumbly texture. This top layer should cover the jam while allowing some of its vibrant color to peek through.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, crisp around the edges, and the jam is bubbling slightly. The smell alone will make your kitchen irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set nicely. For perfect, clean cuts, refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes before slicing into 16 bars. This simple step helps everything hold together beautifully, making each bar a picture-perfect square of deliciousness.
How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are lovely on their own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate their presentation. Fresh strawberries on the side not only echo the jam’s flavor but also add a fresh, juicy burst that brightens the dish even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or a cup of hot tea or coffee to balance the sweetness. They also work wonderfully with a simple fruit salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic square: try cutting the bars into mini bite-sized pieces for parties or layer them in parfait glasses with yogurt and fresh berries for a fun breakfast twist. They’re versatile enough to shine in any form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay perfectly moist and flavorful without losing their delightful oat texture.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for later? Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you like your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe a bit warm, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven set to low heat for a few minutes. The jam becomes wonderfully gooey, and the oats regain a freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic in this recipe, raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam can bring exciting new flavors. Just make sure to use the same quantity to keep things balanced.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, substituting a gluten-free flour blend with oats labeled gluten-free makes them accessible for gluten-sensitive folks while preserving texture.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a jam free from animal products. The texture and taste will still be deliciously satisfying.
How thick should the layers be when assembling?
The base and topping layers should each be about half of the crumbly oat mixture, pressed firmly but not too dense. The jam layer should be spread thin enough to bake evenly without oozing out, about 1/4 inch thick.
What’s the best way to cut the bars for serving?
Once cooled and chilled, use a sharp knife to cut into a 4×4 grid yielding 16 servings. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep edges clean and prevents sticking, giving you perfectly neat bars every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade batch of Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe, isn’t there? With their tender crumb, sweet-tart jam layer, and wholesome oats, they feel like a warm moment you can savor again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these bars will become your go-to for whenever you want a little sweetness and a whole lot of happy.
Print
Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars featuring a buttery oat crust layered with sweet strawberry jam. These bars offer a perfect balance of chewy oats and fruity sweetness, ideal for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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: Add the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir them together until a crumbly dough forms.
- Prepare Base Layer: Press half of the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
- Spread Jam: Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the dough base, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining dough over the jam layer evenly. Gently press it down to form a crumbly topping layer.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
- You can swap strawberry jam with your favorite jam flavor for variety.
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Refrigeration before slicing helps achieve neat, clean cuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
