Name: Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups strawberry jam or preserves

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Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are the kind of treat that instantly transports you to simpler times, when a sweet snack and a cool glass of milk could make any day brighter. These golden bars combine a buttery oat crumb with vibrant strawberry preserves, layering flavors and textures into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, packing school lunches, or simply in need of a comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to win everyone over with its irresistible sweetness and hearty crunch.

Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these bars plays a star role, creating the ultimate harmony of sweet, chewy, and crumbly. Nothing complicated here—just baking staples that pull together delicious magic in under an hour!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the crust its melt-in-your-mouth richness and brings all the dry ingredients together beautifully.
Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep caramel flavor and contributes to the chewy texture that makes these bars so addictive.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors, lending warmth and a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of the base and crumble, giving body to every bite.
Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): For a rustic, toothsome texture and a hearty contrast against the soft, sweet jam.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the crust stay tender rather than dense.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sugar and brightens all the flavors.
Strawberry jam or preserves (1 1/4 cups): The luscious, fruity heart of the bars—choose your favorite or even try homemade for extra love.

How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, giving it plenty of time to get nice and hot. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This will make removing the bars (and cleaning up!) a total breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light, airy, and a little fluffy. This step makes all the difference—creaming incorporates air and ensures your base is tender yet sturdy.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract, stirring until it disappears into the buttery cloud. That little splash infuses the base with a whisper of warmth that really elevates the whole batch.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. This quick mix ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you get the right rise and flavor throughout the bars.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter and sugar. Stir until combined—it’ll look crumbly but should clump together when pinched. This crumble becomes both your base and topping.

Step 6: Press the Crust

Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Don’t worry about perfection; a firm, even layer is what gives the bars their satisfying bite when sliced.

Step 7: Layer the Strawberry Jam

Spread the strawberry jam gently over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent bubbling over. The layer of jam becomes the juicy, sweet surprise sandwiched between every crumbly bite.

Step 8: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. The topping bakes up golden and crisp, providing a lovely contrast to the gooey jam below.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the jam is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—trust me, patience here pays off with clean, beautiful slices.

How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars

Garnishes

For a simple, extra-special touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top right before serving. Fresh sliced strawberries and a mint sprig transform these bars into a bakery-worthy dessert platter with zero fuss.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just a tall glass of ice-cold milk. For brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait for a lovely contrast of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into hearts, diamonds, or mini squares for a festive touch at showers and parties. Stack them on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for the sweetest homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days. No fridge required unless your kitchen is extra warm!

Freezing

Want to save some bars for a rainy day? Place cooled, cut bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you prefer your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars warm and gooey, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. For a crispier finish, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Serve right away for the ultimate treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While strawberry gives these bars their signature flavor, feel free to try raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam. Just make sure the texture is thick enough not to run too much during baking.

Can I make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars gluten-free?

Yes, swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results should be just as delicious and easy!

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The top will turn lightly golden and the jam should be bubbling around the edges. Resist the urge to overbake—the bars will firm up more as they cool.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Definitely! For a nutty twist, stir about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping. They add wonderful crunch and pair beautifully with the oats and jam.

Do Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars travel well?

Yes, these bars are sturdy enough to pack for picnics, potlucks, or lunchboxes. Just layer them with parchment or wax paper so they stay looking (and tasting) perfect on the go.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, nostalgic charm of homemade Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars. They’re comforting, easy to make, and almost impossible to resist. Give them a try soon—you’ll want to keep this recipe at the top of your favorites list!

Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 20 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars that perfectly balance the sweetness of strawberry jam with a buttery oat crumble. These bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it’s a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1 1/4 cups strawberry jam or preserves

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and combine until crumbly.
Layer the bars: Press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan, spread jam over the crust, and crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before slicing.