If you’re looking for a dessert that manages to be nostalgic, comforting, and a total showstopper in one bite, look no further than Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars. Each bar brings together a golden, buttery oat crumble and a vibrant ruby-red layer of sweet strawberry jam, striking that perfect balance between decadent and wholesome. These bars are as delightful for a weekend brunch spread as they are tucked into a lunchbox or packed for a picnic. Every bite will remind you of the joys of simple homemade baking with the irresistible magic of strawberries and oats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars is just how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays its own role, creating that classic chewy, crumbly texture and fruity sweetness. Don’t skip or skimp on these, as their simplicity lets each flavor shine!
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for rich flavor and that crumbly texture; be sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a deep, caramel note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the backbone of the structure for the bars.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds that hearty chew and golden, rustic look.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Provides a touch of lift to keep the texture light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance and brighten the sweetness of the bars.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm flavor that ties everything together.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show, bringing juicy, bright strawberry flavor to every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for super easy removal and less cleanup. This step is your foundation for perfectly shaped Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly paler in color. This makes for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumble and ensures each bite is sweet but not cloying.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract, letting it infuse the buttery-sweet base with that subtle aromatic warmth that makes these bars so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. This step keeps things airy and helps the oats blend nicely, so you end up with even texture throughout your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars.
Step 5: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until everything comes together to form a crumbly dough. The mixture should be loose and crumbly, not a cohesive dough—this is perfect for building those lovely layers.
Step 6: Press in the Crust
Take about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This is what holds all the delicious fruity filling and gives the bars their hearty base.
Step 7: Spread the Jam
Spoon the strawberry jam or preserves over the crust, spreading it gently with a spatula. Leave a small border at the edge to avoid overflow while baking. Aim for an even layer loaded with strawberry goodness in every bite!
Step 8: Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the jam layer, then gently press it down just a bit to help it cling together as it bakes. You want plenty of nooks and crannies for that golden crumble on top of your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top looks beautifully golden and the jam is bubbling around the edges. The house will smell amazing—trust me! Let the bars cool completely in the pan, which helps them set for tidier slicing.
How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Garnishes
Dust the cooled bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a touch of elegance. Thinly sliced strawberries or even a sprig of mint make a bright, fresh finish that really spotlights those fruity flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or decadent Greek yogurt for a dreamy dessert plate. For brunch, serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries and a pot of hot tea or strong coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars on a cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy treat, or wrap individual squares in parchment and twine for a charming picnic addition. For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter with alternating strawberry slices and bright edible flowers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars fresh and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want a firmer texture or need them to last a little longer, tuck them into the fridge for up to a week—they’ll be just as tasty.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled and cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months and can be thawed on the counter whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
If you love your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars slightly warm, just pop them into a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The jam will turn lusciously gooey and the oat topping even more inviting!
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! These bars are wonderfully versatile—try swapping the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, apricot, or any favorite preserve you have on hand. The tart and sweet combination works beautifully with almost any jam.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is the best way to guarantee easy removal and tidy squares. A light layer of grease under the parchment helps keep it in place as you press in the crust.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, mix in a half cup of chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble mixture. You could also add shredded coconut for added texture.
Are Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but if you substitute a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, you’ll have a gluten-free batch everyone can enjoy!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on them, and bake until the top is golden and the jam is bubbling.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a family picnic, a cozy afternoon treat, or looking to sweeten up your brunch table, Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are sure to win over everyone at first bite. Share a pan soon and discover just how satisfying and memorable these simple bars can be!
Print
Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet strawberry jam sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crumble with these irresistible Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into butter mixture.
- Form Crust: Press two-thirds of mixture into pan for crust.
- Add Filling: Spread jam over crust, then top with remaining oat mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Experiment with different jam flavors for variety.
- Add nuts for extra crunch.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
