These Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars feature a buttery, oat-filled crust with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam filling, topped with a crumbly oat topping. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, combining chewy oats and fruity jam in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks), softened to room temperature
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Rolled Oats: 1 1/2 cups (old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Raspberry Jam: 1 (18 oz) jar, seedless preferred for a smoother texture
Preparation:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mixing the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until smooth and light in color.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the rolled oats, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly but cohesive.
- Forming the Layers:
- Base Layer: Take three-quarters of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Jam Layer: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crust, making sure it’s fully covered.
- Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the jam for a nice contrast in texture.
- Baking:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. This indicates the bars are baked through and the sugars have caramelized.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 2 hours). This allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to slice cleanly.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Additional Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to substitute the raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or blackberry to suit your preferences.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.
Enjoy your homemade Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars—a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! 🍓🍪