Description
Chewy, buttery, and layered with a fruity jam center, these Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate bake-ahead treat. Whether you’re in search of a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or easy dessert ideas, these bars deliver big flavor with pantry staples. With crisp oat crumble and a gooey center, they’re perfect for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or as a cozy after-dinner bite. This easy recipe is also freezer-friendly and totally customizable, making it one of the best food ideas to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fruit preserves or jam (like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thin jam)
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
½ teaspoon citrus zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Stir in vanilla.
4. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. In a small bowl, mix preserves with cornstarch if using, then spread evenly over crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top and press down gently.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
8. Cool in pan for at least 1 hour, then chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend.
Cool bars completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Use thicker jam or add cornstarch to avoid soggy centers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: oatmeal bars, quick breakfast, healthy snack, easy dessert, lunchbox ideas