Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
These raspberry oatmeal bars are made with a buttery oat crumble and a sweet-tart raspberry filling for the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks or picnics.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cups brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ sticks unsalted butter melted
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper for easy slicing and cleanup.
- Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add in the vanilla and melted butter until the dough gets crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the base, leaving about ¼ inch around the edge.
- Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges look done.
- Let it cool completely before slicing so that the raspberry center is set.
Notes
Variations:
- Switch out the different flavors of jam, try strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry instead.
- You can also mix in some different nuts, like pecans or almonds.
- Drizzle with a frosting glaze or even melted white chocolate.
Helpful Tips:
- Use parchment paper so it's easier to remove the bars from the dish.
- Press the base into the pan firmly, but don't overpack so it doesn't get as dense.
- Warm the raspberry preserves in the microwave for 20 seconds so it's easier to spread.
- Keep in mind that the bar is done when the edges become golden brown (the center may still appear a little soft).
- Allow enough time to cool so the raspberry center can set.
Storage:
- Store your bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If they are stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to a week.