Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for oatmeal jam bars offers a healthier, refined-sugar-free option that’s perfect for any time of day. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Versatile: You can experiment with different jam flavors, add fresh fruits, or incorporate nuts and spices.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, these bars are easy to prepare.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and store them for quick, satisfying snacks throughout the week.
Satisfying Texture: The bars have a crisp, crumbly exterior with a soft and jammy center.
Healthier Option: Unlike traditional oat bars packed with refined sugars, these are made with natural sweeteners like honey.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Oats (rolled or quick oats)
Flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or spelt flour)
Salt
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Butter (or plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
Honey (or maple syrup, agave syrup, or date syrup)
Vanilla extract
Sugar-free jam (strawberry, blueberry, or any flavor of choice)
Optional: Extra fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients (oats, flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon) in a bowl.
Add wet ingredients (butter, honey, vanilla extract) and stir to form a crumbly mixture.
Press about ⅔ of the oat mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust.
Spread the jam evenly over the crust. Add any additional fruit or nuts on top, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over it.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool at room temperature before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 bars, depending on size
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge or bring them to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use any jam for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any jam or fruit spread you prefer, but make sure it’s sugar-free to keep the recipe refined-sugar-free.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

3. How do I prevent the jam from spilling over during baking?

Leave a small border around the edges when spreading the jam. This will help prevent it from spilling over as it bakes.

4. Can I add fresh fruit to the bars?

Yes, fresh fruit can be added along with the jam for extra flavor and texture.

5. Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes, coconut oil is a great substitute for butter, especially if you want to make the bars dairy-free.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top and the edges should be slightly bubbly. Be careful not to overbake them.

7. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they are great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

8. How should I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

9. Can I freeze the bars?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

10. How do I reheat the bars after freezing?

Thaw the bars at room temperature or in the fridge before enjoying.

Conclusion

These Healthy Oatmeal Jam Bars are an excellent alternative to traditional sugar-loaded snacks. With a sweet jam center and oat-based crust, they are as satisfying as they are nutritious. Make them ahead of time for a delicious, refined-sugar-free breakfast or snack option!

Healthy Oatmeal Jam Bars

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9-12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Healthy Oatmeal Jam Bars are a delicious and refined-sugar-free treat, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, and sugar-free jam, they offer a satisfying blend of a crisp oat crust and a fruity jam center. This easy recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite jam flavors and optional add-ins like fresh fruit or nuts. Great for meal prep, these bars make a healthier alternative to store-bought options and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the refined sugar.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: oats, flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Add the wet ingredients: melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until you form a crumbly mixture.
Press about ⅔ of the oat mixture into the prepared pan to form the base crust.
Spread the jam evenly over the crust. Optionally, top with extra fruit or nuts, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool at room temperature before slicing into bars.

Notes

Jam Substitution: Use any sugar-free jam or fruit spread of your choice, ensuring it’s refined sugar-free.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American