Oatmeal Bars
Oatmeal Bars: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Snack
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet simple treat, oatmeal bars might just be your new favorite. These satisfying morsels blend wholesome oats with a delightful raspberry filling, making them perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet finish to your dinner. My first encounter with oatmeal bars came during a cozy family gathering, where the hearty flavors were a hit among both kids and adults. Now, they’ve firmly established themselves as a cherished staple in my kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You might wonder, "Why should I make oatmeal bars at home?" Well, there are countless reasons to whip up this treat! First, they’re incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dessert without breaking the bank. Plus, they come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
These oatmeal bars are versatile, too! You can enjoy them warm out of the oven, or let them cool for a delightful on-the-go snack. And did I mention they’re kid-approved? Their combination of chewy oats and sweet raspberry preserves is simply irresistible.
“These oatmeal bars are a game-changer! They’re not too sweet and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.” – Jamie, a satisfied home baker
Preparing Oatmeal Bars: Step-by-Step Overview
Creating these oatmeal bars is straightforward and fun! You’ll start by mixing dry ingredients, then combine them with the wet ones before layering with raspberry preserves. The baking process is fast, which means you’ll soon be rewarded with warm, sweet smells wafting through your kitchen.
Here’s how this recipe comes together:
- Preheat your oven.
- Prepare your baking dish.
- Mix your dry and wet ingredients.
- Layer and bake.
- Cool before slicing.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for your oatmeal bars:
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- ¾ cup butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12-ounce jar raspberry preserves
A note on substitutions: You can swap out the raspberry preserves for any favorite jam or even try peanut butter for a different flavor twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 7×11-inch baking dish with butter or shortening to ensure easy removal.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
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Stir in the beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture holds together.
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Divide the mixture in half. Pat half of it evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
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In a small saucepan, warm the raspberry jam over low heat until easily spreadable.
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Spread the warm jam over the base layer of oatmeal mixture using an offset spatula, making sure to cover it evenly.
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Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the raspberry layer, ensuring nice even coverage.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
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For best results, let the bars fully cool before slicing to ensure cleaner cuts.
Best Ways to Enjoy Oatmeal Bars
These oatmeal bars are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. Alternatively, enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying breakfast or snack. You can also sprinkle a handful of nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of richness.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To preserve your oatmeal bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use room temperature butter for better mixing; it combines more smoothly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely; this helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip warming the jam, although a gentle warming does help with spreading.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
- Nutty Oatmeal Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Swirl melted chocolate into the raspberry jam before layering.
- Spiced Oatmeal Bars: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare these oatmeal bars?
The total prep time takes about 10 minutes, and with baking it’s roughly 40 minutes from start to finish.
Can I substitute the raspberry preserves?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fruit jam you enjoy, such as strawberry or apricot, or even nut butter for a twist.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They’re ready when the top is lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
With these straightforward steps and delicious variations, you’ll have a delightful treat that’s sure to please family and friends alike. Happy baking!
Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7x11-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Stir in the beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture holds together.
- Divide the mixture in half and pat half into the prepared baking dish to form the base.
- Warm the raspberry preserves in a saucepan over low heat until spreadable.
- Spread the warm preserves evenly over the base layer.
- Crumble the remaining mixture on top of the raspberry layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing.
