Raspberry Jam Oat Bars Recipe

Raspberry Jam Oat Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that features a crumbly oat base, a sweet and tangy raspberry filling, and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat, these bars are simple to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

For the Oat Base and Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam or raspberry preserves (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a bright flavor boost)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (or 9×9-inch) square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

2. Prepare the Oat Base and Topping:

• In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

3. Assemble the Bars:

• Press about 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even base. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to pack it down tightly.
• Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the oat base. If desired, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the jam to brighten the flavor.
• Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the raspberry filling, covering it as evenly as possible.

4. Bake the Bars:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the jam set and makes them easier to cut.

5. Slice and Serve:

• Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan.
• Slice into squares or bars, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Jam Options: You can substitute the raspberry jam with any other jam or preserve, such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot.
• Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, try adding some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) to the oat mixture, or sprinkle some coconut flakes on top.
• Make Ahead: These bars store well in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

These Raspberry Jam Oat Bars are a perfect combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making them a great treat for any time of day! Enjoy!