Fruit-Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe
These Fruit-Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for a crowd, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweetness of your favorite jam. Whether you’re preparing for a potluck, family gathering, or just want a delicious snack, these bars are always a hit. One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can use any type of jam you like, though strawberry tends to be a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to scale down for smaller gatherings by halving the recipe and using an 8×8 pan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Bar Cookie
Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Rolled oats | 2 cups |
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Jam of your choice (preferably strawberry) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221.8 |
| Total Fat | 8.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 20.3mg |
| Sodium | 127.6mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35.3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2g |
| Sugars | 18.7g |
| Protein | 2.1g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the cookie bars. -
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Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, then line it with foil, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease the foil as well to prevent the bars from sticking. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. -
Cut in the Butter
Cut the softened butter into the dry ingredients. You can use two knives or a pastry blender for this. The goal is to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter is what makes these bars buttery, rich, and crumbly. -
Create the Crust Layer
Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan. Press firmly to create an even layer. This will form the base of the bars. -
Spread the Jam
Spread your favorite jam (strawberry is recommended) evenly over the crust layer, making sure to leave about a 1/4-inch border around the edges. This keeps the jam from oozing out during baking. -
Top with Remaining Crumb Mixture
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the jam layer. Gently press it into the jam, but not too hard—you still want that crumbly texture to shine through once baked. -
Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned on top. The edges should look slightly crisp, and the center should be set. -
Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan for easier cutting. Cut into 24 squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
Tips for Success:
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Customizing the Jam: You can use any type of jam you prefer—raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry work wonderfully as well. Each flavor will give a slightly different twist to the bars.
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Halving the Recipe: If you don’t need 24 bars, this recipe can easily be halved. Simply use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust the baking time to around 30-35 minutes.
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Add-Ins: For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, on top of the crumb mixture before baking.
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Storage: These bars keep well at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts:
These Fruit-Oatmeal Cookie Bars are incredibly simple to make, yet they deliver on taste in a big way. The sweet jam layer contrasts beautifully with the buttery, crumbly oat crust, making these bars a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert for a family gathering or packing them up for a picnic, they are sure to be a hit. And if you like experimenting with flavors, the recipe’s versatility means you can try different jams or even add your own twist with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
