These buttery Oatmeal Jam Bars are straightforward to make and a hit wherever they’re served. Sweet, fruity jam goes between two layers of buttery oatmeal cookie dough!
Use extra jam in these Costco Raspberry Crumble Cookies or these Raspberry Bars.
author’s note
Cookie Crust + Jam Center = Dessert Goals!
If you’ve ever tried these practically famous Carmelitas, you know the magic of oatmeal cookie bars. Sandwiching a filling in the center takes them to a whole new level.
Instead of loading the center with caramel and chocolate (like in Carmelitas), I’m adding a thick layer of jam.
I’m usually more of a chocolate girl (hello, Chocolate Cake!), while my husband is all about fruity desserts. But these oatmeal jam bars? They’re something we both agree on when we want a sweet treat—absolutely satisfying!
Ingredients In Oatmeal Jam Bars
- Butter: Cool the melted butter to room temp before using to avoid greasy bars.
- Brown Sugar: Lightly pack these into the cup for an accurate measurement.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Be sure to use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats.
- Salt and Baking Soda: Make sure your baking soda is fresh.
- Seedless Blackberry Jam: Any jam flavor will work! For a smoother filling, use seedless jam. But if seeds don’t bother you, feel free to use jam with seeds.
Featured Comment
“These are satisfying and straightforward to make. I like how straightforward it is to change up the flavors with different jams, nuts, etc. Everyone loves them. Thanks for another great recipe.”
– April
How To Make Oatmeal Jam Bars
- Heat and Prep: Warm your oven. Use parchment paper for straightforward bar removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Cool melted butter to avoid greasy bars, then mix with brown sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Add flour, oats (choose old-fashioned for texture), salt, and baking soda to create a dough.
- Bake Base: Press more than half of the dough into the pan. Bake briefly for 8 minutes.
- Add Jam: Spread your jam on top, avoiding the edges to prevent burning.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the rest of the dough over the jam. Bake until the edges turn golden, about 13-18 minutes.
Oatmeal Jam Bar Tips
- Pan size: Use an 8×8-inch pan. A 9×9 makes the bars too thin. Doubling in a 9×13 should work, but I haven’t tested it.
- Line the pan: Use parchment with overhang for straightforward removal.
- Mix well: Stir melted butter & brown sugar until smooth to avoid greasy bars.
- Jam layer: Spread jam gently, leaving a border to prevent burning.
- Bake time: Don’t overbake! Bars are done when edges are golden & the top looks set.
Storage
Oatmeal Jam Bar Storage
- These bars are best eaten within 1-2 days of being made. The longer they sit, the more the jam will soften the bottom layer, making it gooey.
- Store bars in an air-tight container at room temperature.
- I have not personally tried freezing and thawing these bars, but I suspect they would get a bit soft and gooey on the bottom as they thaw.
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