If you have a sweet tooth and crave something that perfectly balances buttery oatmeal goodness with a burst of fruity jam, you are going to adore the Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe. This recipe offers the charm of a crumble pie but in a convenient, hand-held form that’s perfect for any time of the day. With a luscious layer of raspberry jam sandwiched between a rich, buttery oat base and crumble topping, these bars are as simple to make as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. Each item plays a special role, from the cool richness of melted butter to the heartiness of rolled oats.
- 125g / 1 stick unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps bind the oat mixture together.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses for depth.
- 1 large egg (55-60g / 2 oz): Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the bars.
- 1 1/2 cups flour (plain / all-purpose): The base of your oat layer giving the bars their light yet sturdy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (traditional oats): For that classic oatmeal crunch and wholesome texture—avoid instant or steel-cut oats for best results.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a tender crumb.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup raspberry jam (or other flavor): The star of the show, providing a bright, fruity layer that brings all elements together.
How to Make Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C fan. Grease an 8-inch (20cm) metal pan generously with butter to ensure your bars don’t stick. Then line the pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s some overhang. This simple step will let you lift out the bars easily after baking, keeping those beautiful edges intact.
Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Cookie Base
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s liquid and warm. Stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free—this ensures even sweetness throughout. Crack in the egg and mix until fully incorporated. Then it’s time to add the dry ingredients: flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything thoroughly until you can’t see any hint of flour left. The mixture will be slightly sticky but holds together well.
Step 3: Layer the Base and Jam
Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture for the base. Press this into your prepared pan evenly with your hands. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam over the base—if your jam is a bit thick, warming it in the microwave for a few seconds helps it spread easily and evenly. Now crumble the rest of the oat mixture on top, breaking it into small clumps with your fingers to create that wonderful crumble topping texture.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a deep golden brown. Trust your eyes here; it’s that golden color that tells you the bars are perfectly baked. Once done, remove them from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This might take about two hours, but the wait really is worth it.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
When your bars are cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan effortlessly. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares. These bars keep their shape beautifully, perfect for a casual snack or lovely dessert. And that’s it—you’ve just mastered the Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe!
How to Serve Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra charm, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on top create a fresh contrast to the buttery sweetness and add a pop of color that makes them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. If you’re enjoying them as a mid-morning snack, a cup of hot tea or coffee complements the oat and jam flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or picnic, arrange your raspberry jam bars on a pretty platter lined with fresh leaves or edible flowers to make them visually stunning. You can also stack them with layers of soft cheese or cream cheese for a playful, dessert bar twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store your raspberry jam bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them covered well to preserve that melt-in-your-mouth moisture and prevent any drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave a piece for about 15-20 seconds. This brings out the buttery aroma anew and softens the jam slightly for a delightful eating experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam besides raspberry?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic and pairs beautifully with the oat base, feel free to experiment with strawberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams. Each variation brings its own unique twist to the bars.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. If you’d like to make them gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
What kind of oats work best for this recipe?
Use traditional rolled oats for the best texture and crunch. Avoid quick, instant, or steel-cut oats as they can alter the consistency or baking time of the bars.
Can I make these bars vegan?
You can! Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and swap the egg with a flax egg or other vegan egg substitute. This may slightly change the texture but still yields delicious results.
How thick should I press the oat mixture in the pan?
Press the oat mixture evenly to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. This ensures the bars hold together well and have the perfect balance between the base and the crumble topping.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about homemade raspberry jam bars, especially when they come together with such ease. The Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe invites you to enjoy classic, buttery, jammy, and crumbly goodness without any stress. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug baked into squares. So why not give it a try and share this sweet joy with the ones you love? Believe me, these bars will become your new favorite go-to treat before you know it!
Print
Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
These Raspberry Jam Bars combine the charm of a crumble pie in a convenient, hand-held form. Featuring a buttery oatmeal base, a luscious layer of raspberry jam, and a crumbly oat topping made from the same mixture as the base, these bars are quick, easy to make, and perfect for dessert or a snack.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cookie Base & Crumble Topping
- 125g unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 large egg (55-60g / 2 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (traditional oats, not quick, instant, or steel-cut)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Jam Layer
- 1 cup raspberry jam (or other flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C if using a fan-forced oven. Grease a 20cm (8-inch) metal pan with butter, then line it with parchment paper ensuring there’s an overhang for easy removal later.
- Make Oatmeal Cookie Base Mixture: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in brown sugar until the mixture is lump-free. Add the egg and mix until fully combined. Then add the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Mix until no dry flour remains and the mixture is consistent.
- Assemble Base and Jam Layers: Take about 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands to firmly create the base layer. Spread the raspberry jam over this base; if the jam is too thick, microwave it briefly to loosen it for easier spreading.
- Add Crumble Topping: Use your hands to crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the jam layer, covering it well.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the topping is a deep golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan, approximately 2 hours. To speed up cooling, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy your delicious, hand-held raspberry jam bars!
Notes
- Use traditional rolled oats, not quick or instant oats, for best texture.
- If your jam is too thick to spread easily, microwave it briefly to soften.
- Press the base firmly into the pan to create a sturdy bottom layer.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
