Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

In this Strawberry Jam Bar recipe, I blend softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and old fashioned rolled oats with strawberry jam and vanilla extract. The addition of light brown sugar and egg creates a balance of sweet and savory notes. I find it truly charming and enticing for a memorable treat.

I recently experimented with a new twist on a classic treat that I think you’ll really dig. This Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars recipe is exactly what its name suggests – a perfect balance of a buttery oatmeal base, thanks to 1/2 cup unsalted butter mixed with both granulated sugar and light brown sugar, and handled perfectly with a large egg and a splash of vanilla extract.

I then fold in 3/4 cup all purpose flour, 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, a little bit of baking soda and salt, creating a lovely, crumbly texture which holds everything together. The game changer for me is that hidden layer of 1/2 cup strawberry jam that gives it such a unique burst of flavor, making these bars an ideal breakfast or even a simple dessert.

Trust me, if you love oatmeal recipes that are both easy and satisfyingly different, these jam bars are going to be a hit.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the sweet, buttery flavor of the jam with the hearty oats and makes a delicious treat that feels both like a dessert and a breakfast snack. I really enjoy how the crisp oat base mixed with a chewy, jammy top creates a cool blend of textures that make each bite interesting. I also like how simple it is to throw together; the steps are easy to follow and nothing feels overly complicated even if I’m not an expert baker. Finally, I appreciate that the ingredients are pretty common, so I can whip these up anytime I need a quick, satisfying snack that reminds me of home.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: provides rich flavor and moisture, helps bind ingredients together for tender texture.
• Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and structure; main carbohydrate, mildly processed.
• Light brown sugar: infuses subtle molasses notes, contributing extra moisture and chewiness.
• Old fashioned rolled oats: offers fiber, texture, and heart-healthy whole grain goodness.
• Strawberry jam: supplies fruity tanginess and vibrant color, balancing dessert sweetness with tart notes.
• Large egg: binds ingredients and provides structure; rich in protein and flavor.
• Vanilla extract: enhances overall taste; a small amount makes flavors pop.
• Baking soda and salt: leavening agents that maintain balance and enhance texture in the bar.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.

2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and the brown sugar until the mix is light and kinda fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, sift the all purpose flour with the baking soda and salt; then add in the rolled oats.

5. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring you stir until just combined.

6. Press about half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a firm layer.

7. Spread the strawberry jam over the dough evenly, not too thick but enough to cover it.

8. Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the jam layer – try to cover it all.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is a light golden color and the edges are just firm.

10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares and enjoying your delicious treat.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8 inch baking pan (plus parchment paper or a way to grease it)
3. Two mixing bowls (one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ones)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Mixer or whisk for creaming and beating the ingredients
6. A sifter or fine strainer for the flour, baking soda, and salt
7. A spatula for mixing the dough and spreading the jam
8. Oven mitts for handling the hot pan

FAQ

Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter – You can swap it with margarine or even vegetable shortening if you dont have butter on hand.
• Granulated sugar – Try using coconut sugar or maple syrup (if using syrup, you may need to reduce the liquid a bit).
• Egg – For a vegan version, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
• Strawberry jam – You can substitute it with raspberry jam or even a mix of your favorite berry preserves to mix things up.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is just softened enough not to be too melted; if its too soft, your mix might turn out runny and it won’t mix as well.
2. Try not to overmix your dough once you add in the dry stuff – a few lumps are okay or else you might end up with bars that are tougher than they need to be.
3. When you spread the strawberry jam, make sure its an even layer – too much in one spot might make it soggy, too little and you wont get that yummy burst of flavor.
4. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before you slice them. It might be hard to wait, but it really helps keep the bars from falling apart when you cut them into squares.