If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers sweet nostalgia with every bite, these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are about to become your new best friend! Bursting with the vibrant flavor of strawberry jam, interwoven with a buttery oat crumble that’s equal parts chewy and crisp, these bars offer all the comfort of a classic homemade dessert—without the fuss. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up or a simple make-ahead dessert for a potluck, you’ll keep coming back to Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars for their irresistible flavor, gorgeous layers, and that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars lies in their simple, staple ingredients—each one brings something essential to the table! From the warm notes of brown sugar to the bright strawberry center, every component works together to turn humble pantry items into a seriously memorable treat.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Creates that irresistibly rich and tender base for both the crust and crumbly topping.
- Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep caramel undertones and keeps the bars moist and chewy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings classic bakery aroma and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the bars, giving a soft-yet-sturdy bite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Lends a hearty texture and lovely rustic chew to every slice.
- Strawberry jam or preserves (3/4 cup): The sweet, juicy centerpiece—pick your favorite or even swap for another fruit, if you like!
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. This little step makes sure your Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars come out perfectly intact and mess-free!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in your melted butter, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together well until silky and smooth. This is the base of all that decadent flavor, so don’t skimp on a thorough mix.
Step 3: Add Oats and Flour
Stir in the all-purpose flour and rolled oats, working the mixture together until it turns into a moist, crumbly dough. The oats give these bars their signature chew, while the flour holds it all together.
Step 4: Press the Crust
Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread evenly—it will form a soft, sturdy canvas for all that glorious jam!
Step 5: Layer the Jam
Spoon your strawberry jam over the oat crust, gently spreading it out with a spatula, but leave a small border at the edges to prevent bubbling over. This gooey middle is the soul of Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars, so don’t be shy with your jam.
Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture loosely over the jam layer. Let some clumps form—it gives the bars that signature crumbly top and a lovely, uneven texture once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the jam is bubbling enticingly around the edges. The aroma alone will tell you you’re on the right track!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing—this helps them set, so each square holds together beautifully. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment, slice, and admire those gorgeous layers.
How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Garnishes
Sometimes, those little finishing touches transform your bars from “yum” to “wow!” Dust the tops with a snowy shower of powdered sugar, scatter on a few sliced fresh strawberries, or drizzle a bit of vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert duo, or serve alongside a piping hot cup of coffee or tea for a dreamy snack. For brunch, let them cozy up to a simple fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut the bars into triangles and arrange them on a platter with colorful berries. Stack them up for a rustic, picnic-style display, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for the sweetest homemade lunchbox treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to keep them chewy and fresh even longer. If you’re planning ahead, these bars actually taste even better the next day!
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly—just let them cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, ready to thaw whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a bar (or two) in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth, or heat a few in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll taste just like they did the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars?
Absolutely! These bars are just as delicious with raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam. The recipe is forgiving and welcomes your favorite fruity fillings.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your pan with parchment paper and lightly greasing it ensures the bars lift out easily and stay picture-perfect. The little bit of overhang makes a big difference when removing them.
Can I add nuts or coconut to the crumble topping?
Definitely! A quarter cup of chopped nuts or shredded coconut stirred into the topping adds crunch and another layer of flavor that complements the jam beautifully.
Are these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars gluten-free?
This original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap it for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
How should I cut the bars to keep them neat?
Letting the bars cool completely before slicing is key! Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for those perfect square edges that truly show off the layered effect.
Final Thoughts
Give these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars a try next time you’re craving something sweet, comforting, and easy to share. They’re a surefire hit with kids and adults alike, and one batch is all it takes to make them a beloved staple in your kitchen!
PrintStrawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and fruity delight of Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars. These bars feature a buttery oat crumble base with a layer of strawberry jam, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour and oats until a crumbly dough forms.
- Layer the Crust: Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Add the Jam: Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top and Bake: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam.
- For added texture, stir in 1/4 cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut into the crumble topping.
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