Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that combines the wholesome crunch of oats with the vibrant sweetness of raspberry jam. These Crispy Oatmeal Raspberry Bars are not just a dessert – they're a culinary adventure that will transform your baking game! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Pour the melted unsalted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts to hold together when pressed.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the pressed oat base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the raspberry jam, creating a crumbly topping that covers most of the jam layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy at room temperature.
Tips
- Use high-quality raspberry jam for the most intense flavor. Homemade or artisan preserves work best.
- Ensure your butter is fully melted but not too hot when mixing with dry ingredients.
- Press the base layer firmly and evenly to create a stable foundation for your bars.
- Don't skip the cooling time – it's crucial for achieving the perfect texture and clean cuts.
- For extra richness, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the oat mixture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a variation, try substituting raspberry jam with other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 184kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
