Description

These Easiest Ever Raspberry Jam Bars feature a deliciously buttery oat base, topped with a sweet layer of raspberry jam, and a crumbly oat topping. Perfect for a quick treat or dessert, they combine simple pantry ingredients with an easy baking process to create a golden, tender bar with bursts of fruity flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Crumb Topping

125g unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
1 large egg (55-60g / 2 oz)
1 1/2 cups plain/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

Filling

1 cup raspberry jam (or other flavor)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan). Grease a 20cm/8″ metal baking pan with butter, then line it with baking or parchment paper leaving an overhang. This overhang will help you lift the bars out easily once baked.
Make Oatmeal Cookie Mixture: In a microwave-proof bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is lump-free. Crack in the egg and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then mix thoroughly until the flour is fully integrated and the dough is uniform.
Form the Base and Add Jam: Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the oat mixture, spread it evenly into the prepared pan, and press it down firmly using your hands to create the base. Spread the raspberry jam evenly over this base layer. If the jam is very thick, microwave it briefly to loosen it for easier spreading.
Add Crumble Topping and Bake: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the jam layer using your hands. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is a rich, deep golden color.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool fully in the pan for about 2 hours. This cooling period allows the bars to set properly. To speed this up, you can let them cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!

Notes

If your jam is thick and difficult to spread, warming it in the microwave for a few seconds will help loosen it.
Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
You can substitute raspberry jam with any other favorite flavor such as strawberry, apricot, or blackberry.
Pressing the base mixture firmly helps create a sturdy crust that holds the layers together well.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30-35 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: raspberry jam bars, oat bars, easy dessert, baked bars, homemade jam bars, oatmeal bars, simple baking recipe