Easy Jam Oat Bars Recipe

The Easiest Homemade Jam Oat Bars Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Sweet mornings call for a delightful homemade easy jam oat bars recipe that turns ordinary breakfast into a moment of pure bliss.

Soft, crumbly oats blend perfectly with vibrant fruity jam, creating a delectable treat.

The layers of golden oats and rich jam promise a delicious experience that feels like a warm hug.

Bursting with natural sweetness, these bars offer a simple yet indulgent way to start your day.

Each bite delivers a comforting balance of textures and flavors that will make you smile.

No complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed – just pure, wholesome goodness.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, jammy morsel of this irresistible breakfast delight.

Serving Jam Oat Bars for Snacks

  • Breakfast Buddy: Pack these bars in lunch boxes for a sweet morning treat that kids and adults will love.
  • Dessert Companion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner surprise that melts hearts.
  • Picnic Perfect: Wrap individually in parchment paper for a portable snack during outdoor adventures or road trips.
  • Coffee Break Delight: Pair with a hot cappuccino or tea for a relaxing mid-afternoon snack that satisfies sweet cravings.

Storage Advice for Jam Oat Bars

  • Store jam oat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.
  • Preheat oven to 150C/300F. Place bars on baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore original crispness and fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade jam for this recipe?

Yes, homemade jam works perfectly! Use any fruit jam you prefer, like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot. Just ensure it’s a smooth, spreadable consistency.

  • How do I know when the oat bars are fully baked?

Look for a deep golden color across the top and edges. The bars should look set and slightly firm when touched. A light golden brown indicates they’re ready.

  • Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Why Jam Oat Bars Are So Satisfying

  • These jam oat bars come together super fast with simple pantry ingredients, making them perfect for spontaneous baking moments.
  • The combination of sweet jam and hearty oats creates a universally loved snack that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Minimal mixing, one-pan preparation, and straightforward steps mean even novice bakers can confidently produce delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Swap different jam flavors or add nuts to personalize these bars, making them adaptable to your taste preferences and what's available in your kitchen.

Ingredient List for Jam Oat Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that provides moisture and helps bind the bar together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden brown color.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the base mixture together.
  • Flour: Creates structure and helps form the crumbly texture of the bars.
  • Oats: Provides a hearty, nutty flavor and adds texture to the base.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Topping Ingredient:
  • Jam: Adds a sweet, fruity layer that creates a delicious filling between the oat crumble layers.

Tools for Jam Oat Bar Preparation

  • Essential for creating perfectly sized bars with easy removal.
  • Parchment Paper: Crucial for lining pan and preventing sticking.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining base ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent results.
  • Whisk or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Cooling Rack: Helps bars cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for cutting bars into clean, even squares.

Easy Instructions for Jam Oat Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 200C/400F.

Grab a square baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

Melt the butter until it’s smooth and silky.

Whisk in the sugar until well combined.

Crack in the egg and mix thoroughly.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Stir everything until you have a delightful, slightly crumbly mixture.

Step 3: Layer and Spread

Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Spread a generous layer of your favorite jam across the base.

Sprinkle the remaining mixture over the top, creating a rustic, crumbly topping.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a deep, golden brown and looks irresistibly crispy around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely – patience is key!

This might take around 2 hours.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out of the pan.

Slice into 16 delectable squares using a sharp knife.

Pro Advice for Jam Oat Bar Perfection

  • Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry to create unique taste profiles.
  • Reduce sugar in base mixture if using very sweet jam to balance overall flavor.
  • Use cold butter and mix quickly to achieve a light, crumbly topping that doesn't become dense.
  • Ensure base is fully baked by checking golden edges and center that looks set before removing from oven.
  • Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for dietary needs.

Jam Oat Bar Mix Ins and Options

  • Gluten-Free Jam Oat Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Fruit Bar: Swap butter and egg with coconut oil and flax egg, using dairy-free jam for plant-based option.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Bars: Use sugar-free jam and reduce sugar content, substituting with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
  • Nutty Chocolate Variation: Mix chopped almonds into base and drizzle dark chocolate over cooled bars for extra richness.
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Easy Jam Oat Bars Recipe

Easy Jam Oat Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful jam oat bars showcase classic comfort with simple ingredients from Scotland’s rich baking tradition. Home bakers can craft these sweet treats quickly for satisfying afternoon snacks or casual dessert options.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (traditional oats)
  • 1 1/2 cups flour (plain / all-purpose)
  • 1 cup raspberry jam

Binding/Wet Ingredients:

  • 125 grams (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 1 large egg (5560 grams / 2 ounces)

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F and prepare a 20cm/8″ baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang for easy removal.
  2. Create the base mixture by combining melted butter with sugar, then incorporate the egg until well blended.
  3. Gradually fold in flour, oats, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a cohesive crumbly dough forms.
  4. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly to create a compact base layer.
  5. Spread jam uniformly across the base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer, creating a rustic crumble topping.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a deep golden-brown color and slightly crisp edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.
  9. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire baked dessert out of the pan.
  10. Slice into 16 neat squares, ensuring clean cuts with a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the bars.
  • Experiment with different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry for unique taste variations.
  • Press base mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable foundation that prevents crumbling when cutting.
  • Reduce baking time by 5 minutes for softer, chewier bars or extend for crispier edges.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 207
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 27mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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