Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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Soft, chewy, and packed with a buttery crumble, these Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate comfort treat. With a sweet jam filling sandwiched between layers of golden oat goodness, they strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a holiday treat, or a coffee companion, these bars deliver on taste and texture every time.

Made with pantry staples and minimal effort, oatmeal bars are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The tender bite of oats combined with a fruit-forward center makes each slice feel indulgent yet familiar. They’re freezer-friendly, easy to transport, and even easier to devour—making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers and dessert lovers alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Bars Recipe

• Versatile Flavor Base: Use any jam or fruit preserves you like—raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot.
• No Mixer Needed: Just bowls, a spoon, and your hands.
• Crowd Favorite: Great for potlucks, picnics, bake sales, and coffee breaks.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and store for a rainy day.
• Nutritious-ish: Oats add texture and heartiness, making these feel more wholesome than your average treat.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these oatmeal bars efficiently, having the right tools on hand can make a big difference:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Stainless steel or glass works best for quick cleanup.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: Helps cut butter into the flour and oats for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key in getting the right consistency.
• Spatula: Ideal for spreading the jam evenly without tearing the oat layer.
• 8×8 or 9×9 Baking Pan: The standard size for thick, bakery-style bars.
• Parchment Paper: Makes lifting and slicing clean and simple.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the bars to set properly after baking, so they don’t fall apart.

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Ingredients for the Oatmeal Bars Recipe

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These are the heart of the bars—chewy and full of texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps hold the crust together and adds a tender bite.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich molasses flavor and sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Gives the bars a little lift.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates that perfect golden crumble when mixed with the dry ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the dough.
• Fruit Jam or Preserves: The sweet, sticky center. Raspberry or strawberry are classic, but you can swap in what you love.

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How To Make the Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute everything evenly.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when squeezed.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix again just until combined. This enhances the dough’s flavor profile.

Step 5: Layer and Fill

Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread the jam evenly across this base, leaving a bit of space at the edges. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp and the center set.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Lift them out using the parchment, then slice into squares or rectangles.

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How to Serve and Store These Oatmeal Bars

These oatmeal bars can be served warm for a gooey texture or at room temperature for cleaner slices. Pair them with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer and transfer to a ziplock bag. They defrost beautifully and retain their chewy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats provide a better chew.

What’s the best jam to use?

Raspberry and strawberry are classic, but apricot or blackberry also shine here.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.

Should I refrigerate them?

Not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13 baking dish and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Are these good for kids?

Yes! They’re great for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these oatmeal bars, you’ll definitely want to try these other treats:

• Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for that gooey, sweet-salty bite.
• Brownie Refrigerator Cake if you’re after something rich and chocolatey.
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins that channel brunch vibes in every bite.
• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for a delicate fruity dessert.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake when you want quick layers of indulgence.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with raspberry jam or try something unique like fig or blueberry? Did you sneak in a handful of chopped nuts?

I love seeing how you all make these recipes your own. Questions or suggestions? Drop them below so we can all bake better together!

You can find even more sweet inspiration over on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate

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