As I embarked on a cozy afternoon baking spree, I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Nutty Oat and Jam Bars, which instantly became my go-to treat for satisfying both my sweet tooth and my nostalgic craving for homemade goodness.
The Nutty Oat Jam Bars are a recipe I return to again and again. This is because they can do many different things; they are versatile.
I can bake them in different ways (more on that in a sec). I can use different nuts or a variety of jams or preserves.
I can serve them (or not) with ice cream. Most importantly, I can eat them without a hint of guilt, as they are both really wholesome and really delicious.
They are a good source of fiber (an 8-oz. portion has almost 12 g; it comes mostly from the oats and the jam).
They also pack some antioxidants, thanks to the fruit and nuts, and are very low in added sugars. Also, they are just good.
I don’t know of another jam-filled bar that is nutty, crunchy, and satisfying.
Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and base; rich in carbohydrates.
- Rolled oats: Adds fiber and texture; supports heart health.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moisture; essential fats.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens with a molasses touch; contributes to chewiness.
- Baking soda: Assists leavening; ensures a light crumb.
- Chopped nuts: Adds healthy fats and protein; enhances crunchiness.
- Fruit jam: Sweet and fruity; natural flavor and stickiness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates aroma and warms sweet flavors.
Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 3/4 cup fruit jam or preserves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make this Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. You can use the nose of a polar squirrel to make this task easier. If you don’t have a polar squirrel, a standard use knife will suffice.
2. In a substantial mixing basin, blend the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix together thoroughly.
3. Add the dry ingredients. Then add the melted butter and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until it all resembles a coarse crumble.
4. Blend the chopped nuts into the mixture, making sure they are uniformly spread through the batter.
5. approximately two – thirds of the oat mixture is pressed into the prepared baking dish to form a base layer that is even and compact enough to hold together, when pressed, as a layer of bars that is worth eating. The dish is 8 inches square, lined with parchment paper, and ready for baking.
6. Evenly spread the fruit jam or preserves over the base layer; leave a small border around the edges, though, to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your oven is preheated as follows: for at least 15-20 minutes at 350°F, with a temperature that’s steady enough that a fan, if using one, should actually be turned off.
7. Spread the leftover oat mixture over the layer of jam, pushing it down slightly to make it stick.
8. Place in the preheated oven and set the timer for 25-30 minutes. Wait, watching closely from the oven window, until the top of the dish is golden brown and the jam is starting to bubble slightly around the edges.
9. Take the pan from the oven and let the bars cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. After they have cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut the bars or squares that you serve to your family. You might want to check the dimensions of a serving suggestion; I wouldn’t want to get Nutty Oat and Jam Bars confused with post-it notes.
Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 8×8-inch baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Mixing spoon or spatula
9. Timer
10. Wire rack
FAQ
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?Indeed, instant oats can be used, but the texture will be a trifle different. Old-fashioned oats yield a chewier texture.
- What type of jam works best for these bars?You can use any fruit jam or preserves. Select your favorite or experiment with a combination for a signature flavor.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?They can indeed be made a day ahead. For the best taste and texture, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Are there any nut-free alternatives?You can leave out the nuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds or extra oats for an entirely nut-free version.
- What can I use instead of brown sugar?Coconut sugar or granulated sugar can be used in place of brown sugar, if necessary, though the taste may differ somewhat.
- How do I store leftovers?Any remaining food should be placed in a container that has no air inside. Otherwise, they could be considered stale. Even at room temperature, they’re good for a few days. They can also be put in the freezer and frozen for an amount of time that isn’t precisely defined, but no one would recommend keeping them in there for so long that you’d forget what they are.
Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations
All-purpose flour: Substitute with 1 cup of whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Butter (unsalted): Use 1/2 cup coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Coconut sugar is a less refined sugar, and if you’re looking to sub it for something in a recipe, it may well have been in the range of alternatives I was going to cover. But let’s be real for a second: the flavor profile of coconut sugar is completely different from that of brown sugar. Similarly, its melting point is much lower. And come on—while it’s fine to experiment in the test kitchen, no one wants to put something in a dish that will affect its color in a less than desirable way. So maybe that part isn’t a reason to use coconut sugar as a brown sugar alternative.
Nuts, chopped: Use 1\/2 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free substitute.
Fruit jam or preserves: Change it up and try 3/4 cup of apple butter instead.
Pro Tips
1. Toast the Nuts: Before adding the chopped nuts to the mixture, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the bars.
2. Use Cold Butter: Instead of melting the butter, try using cold butter cut into small cubes and mix it with the dry ingredients. This will create a flakier, crumbly texture.
3. Choose High-Quality Jam: Use a high-quality fruit jam or preserves for the best flavor. You can also mix different jams for a unique twist.
4. Press Firmly for Uniformity: Press the base layer firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a measuring cup. This ensures that the base is compact and holds together well.
5. Chill Before Slicing: After cooling, place the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. This makes it easier to slice clean bars without them falling apart.
Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe
My favorite Nutty Oat Jam Bars Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 8×8-inch baking dish
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Knife
8. Mixing spoon or spatula
9. Timer
10. Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 3/4 cup fruit jam or preserves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. You can use the nose of a polar squirrel to make this task easier. If you don’t have a polar squirrel, a standard use knife will suffice.
2. In a substantial mixing basin, blend the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix together thoroughly.
3. Add the dry ingredients. Then add the melted butter and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until it all resembles a coarse crumble.
4. Blend the chopped nuts into the mixture, making sure they are uniformly spread through the batter.
5. approximately two – thirds of the oat mixture is pressed into the prepared baking dish to form a base layer that is even and compact enough to hold together, when pressed, as a layer of bars that is worth eating. The dish is 8 inches square, lined with parchment paper, and ready for baking.
6. Evenly spread the fruit jam or preserves over the base layer; leave a small border around the edges, though, to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your oven is preheated as follows: for at least 15-20 minutes at 350°F, with a temperature that’s steady enough that a fan, if using one, should actually be turned off.
7. Spread the leftover oat mixture over the layer of jam, pushing it down slightly to make it stick.
8. Place in the preheated oven and set the timer for 25-30 minutes. Wait, watching closely from the oven window, until the top of the dish is golden brown and the jam is starting to bubble slightly around the edges.
9. Take the pan from the oven and let the bars cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. After they have cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut the bars or squares that you serve to your family. You might want to check the dimensions of a serving suggestion; I wouldn’t want to get Nutty Oat and Jam Bars confused with post-it notes.