Name: Raspberry Oat Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 45 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 grams) flour; 2 cups (180 grams) rolled oats; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups (355 grams) fresh or frozen raspberries; 7 tablespoons (125 grams) raspberry jam; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt

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Raspberry Oat Bars are the perfect blend of wholesome oats and tart raspberries, making them a delightful choice for dessert or a satisfying snack. With a buttery crumble topping that hugs the sweet, fruity filling, these bars are not just visually appealing; they’re also a treat for your taste buds. The combination of textures—the crunch of the oats, the gooeyness of the raspberry filling, and the slight chewiness of the baked crust—will leave you reaching for seconds (or thirds) before you know it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Raspberry Oat Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Raspberry Oat Bars

What makes this recipe so special is how quickly it comes together. Within just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a mouthwatering treat baking in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, baking for a weekday treat, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving, these Raspberry Oat Bars are sure to impress. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on this delightful journey of flavor and texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 45 minutes total, with minimal prep hassle.
Irresistible Flavor: The tartness of the raspberries perfectly balances the sweet, rich topping.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant color of the raspberries against the crispy oat topping makes these bars visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for snacks, breakfast, or dessert, and perfect for parties or potlucks.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make these gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free oats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your crust and crumble; you can substitute with gluten-free flour for a GF option.
2 cups rolled oats: These give the bars their chewy texture. Make sure to use gluten-free oats if needed.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tart raspberries.
1/2 cup light brown sugar: Brings a slight caramel note and moisture to the bars.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warming spice that enhances the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise a bit while baking.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a pleasant depth of flavor.
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries: The stars of the show! They can be substituted with other berries if desired.
7 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam: Recommended for a consistent texture; feel free to experiment with other jams that complement raspberries.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling as well.
Pinch of salt: Just a touch to heighten the sweetness of the berries.

How to Make Raspberry Oat Bars

Preheat the Oven: First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly. Prepare an 8″x8″ pan by lining it with parchment paper, making removal later a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed; you want to avoid any clumps for the best texture.

Incorporate Butter: Cut your 1 cup of unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Using your fingers, gently work the butter into the mixture until it combines and resembles coarse crumbs. It’s like giving your dough a little massage—this step is crucial for that perfect crumble!

Add Vanilla: Once your mixture is clumpy, drizzle 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over the crumbly dough. Gently mix it in with your hands or a spoon until everything just comes together. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot for an 8-inch pan; trust the process!

Create the Crust: Scoop about 2/3 of your dough (roughly 2 2/3 cups or 582 grams) into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to form a solid crust at the bottom—a good foundation is key to delicious bars.

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the 2 1/2 cups of raspberries, 7 tablespoons of seedless raspberry jam, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will add a burst of flavor to each bar, and it’s best to do this now so the raspberries don’t thaw and get mushy.

Assemble the Bars: Spread the raspberry filling over the crust, making sure to leave about a 1/3 inch border around the edges. This is super important to prevent raspberry jam from bubbling over during baking.

Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the jam. Lightly press it down into the jam but be careful not to compress it too much, as this helps prevent any bits from burning.

Bake: Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed up. You’ll want to look for bubbling jam around the edges—a sure sign that they are nearly done!

Cool & Set: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack for about 2 hours. To set them perfectly, chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours or overnight before cutting them into squares.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Raspberry Oat Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them in a well-sealed container. To freeze, slice the bars into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container; they’ll last up to 3 months. For a quick refresh, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or sit at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overworking the butter into the flour mixture; you want crumbs, not dough.
Let the butter reach room temperature for easy mixing and a better texture.
Check the bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time; everyone’s oven is a bit different!
Fresh raspberries work best but if using frozen ones, do not thaw them before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Experiment with adding nuts or chocolate chips to the crumble for a new twist.
These bars make a great make-ahead treat; just slice and store for grab-and-go snacking!

Raspberry Oat Bars are a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the recipe and how easily it fits into any occasion. Feel free to get creative with the flavors and enjoy every single bite of your delicious creation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of raspberries?

Absolutely! You can substitute raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries. However, make sure to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure you’re using gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy these scrumptious treats!

How should I cut the bars after cooling?

For clean, even squares, use a sharp knife and gently saw through the bars instead of pressing down hard. Warming the knife slightly under hot water can also help make cutting easier.

Can I freeze the Raspberry Oat Bars?

Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just slice them into squares and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight for convenient snacking on the go.