Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe

I have fallen for these Strawberry Jam Squares with their rich buttery base of unsalted butter, all-purpose flour and rolled oats. Mixed with a bright layer of strawberry jam and topped with a blend of brown sugar and egg, these Oat Bars With Jam have become one of my favorite indulgences.

I first encountered these Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars when I was searching for a twist on a classic oatmeal cookie recipe. I couldn’t resist the idea of combining a crispy, buttery oatmeal base that calls for 1/2 cup unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and rolled oats with a luscious layer of smooth strawberry jam.

It reminded me of those fun Oat Bars With Jam I used to eat when I was younger. The topping is equally temptin’ with unsalted butter, light brown sugar, one large egg and a splash of vanilla extract mixed together with more oats and flour.

The world of Strawberry Jam Squares and Easy Jam Bars have inspired me to recreate a simple yet irresistible dessert bar that doubles as a hearty breakfast. It might not be the healthiest option out there but it’s a delicious way to start your day or cap off a meal with a sweet treat.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I really dig the mix of crunchy oats and soft, sweet strawberry jam – it gives each bite a cool contrast in texture that I can’t get enough of. Second, the recipe is super easy to follow and doesn’t call for any crazy ingredients, so I feel like I can whip it up even on a chill day with minimal hassle. Third, the balance between the buttery base and the fruity topping is just perfect, giving me a treat that’s both a filling breakfast and a satisfying dessert. And lastly, I appreciate how versatile it is – sometimes I make it for a quick snack, other times as a special dessert for friends, and it never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (base) – Gives rich, creamy texture and a delicate buttery taste.
• All-purpose flour (base) – Provides structure and essential carbohydrates for a tender crumb.
• Rolled oats – Adds fiber, nutty flavor, and a pleasing chewy texture for goodness.
• Granulated sugar (base) – Enhances sweetness, balancing the buttery and oat flavors nicely.
• Strawberry jam – Bursts with tangy, fruity vibrancy and naturally sweet notes.
• Brown sugar (topping) – Moistens the topping while offering a subtle caramel-like flavor.
• Egg (topping) – Binds the mix and adds protein for a firmer, cohesive texture.
• Vanilla extract – Enlivens flavors with warm, aromatic hints throughout.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for the base
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for the base
• 1/2 cup rolled oats for the base
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the base
• 1/8 teaspoon salt for the base
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam (smooth is best)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for the topping
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar for the topping
• 1 large egg for the topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the topping
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for the topping
• 1 cup rolled oats for the topping
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for the topping
• 1/4 teaspoon salt for the topping

How to Make this

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

2. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until crumbly.

3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your pan to form the base.

4. Spread 1/2 cup of smooth strawberry jam over the base evenly.

5. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup packed light brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy.

6. Mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.

7. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the topping mixture, stirring until just combined.

8. Spread the topping mixture evenly over the strawberry jam layer in the pan.

9. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.

10. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars, then serve and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven and an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
2. Two mixing bowls (one for the base ingredients and one for the topping)
3. A set of measuring cups and measuring spoons
4. A spatula or wooden spoon for mixing the ingredients together
5. An electric or hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar for the topping
6. A cooling rack (or a clean flat surface) to let the bars cool before cutting

FAQ

Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or even coconut oil if you dont mind a slight coconut flavor.
• If you dont have all-purpose flour for the base or topping, try using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or a gluten-free blend if that’s what you prefer.
• You can swap rolled oats with quick oats if you want a softer bar, but be careful since the texture might be a bit different.
• Instead of granulated sugar, you might want to use honey or maple syrup, though you’ll need to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.
• If you cant find smooth strawberry jam, you could try using strawberry preserves for a chunkier texture or even a homemade cooked strawberry compote.

Pro Tips

1. Always make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start, it really helps everything mix together better.
2. Try refrigerating the base for 10 minutes before adding the jam. That little step makes the crust a lot firmer and easier to handle.
3. Warm up the strawberry jam just a bit in the microwave so it spreads smooth and evenly over the base.
4. When beating your topping ingredients, do it until just combined. Overmixing can make the texture a bit tough, so it’s best to stop when everything is friendly with each other.