#70 Oat & Jam Bars

Does anyone else buy fresh fruit jam at farmer's markets and then have nothing to do with them? This could very possibly be just me, but when I buy fruit jam, whether fresh or from the store, I don't want to eat it on toast. And, I usually don't know what else to do with it.

So, a few weeks ago, I tried a new recipe to use some of the jam I have stored in the fridge. I had apricot, raspberry, strawberry, peach and pear all at once, so I thought I'd have some room for testing... And that's what I did - test some healthy and easy oat and jam bar recipes. 

I have now made these twice, and I love them. They are subtly sweet, hearty and filling. Besides the taste, they are SO EASY to make. You just stir a few things together in a bowl, bake it, top with the remaining ingredients and bake again. The total time is about a half hour, so this is great for a last-minute treat. 

The other thing I love about these is that they can be for breakfast, snack or dessert. They are very versatile, and even more so with the ability to use whatever flavor of jam you prefer. My personal favorite (so far...I still have a lot of jam left to experiment with) is apricot. It was delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy and versatile treat for your family, make these! Feel free to use your favorite types of jam, and they will be gone in no time!

Oat Jam Bars (Whole Wheat, Reduced Sugar)

Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.

Yields: 8x8" or 9x9" pan; 9-12 bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned/rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1 cup fruit jam (peach, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8" or 9x9" pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients besides jam until thoroughly combined. Firmly press about 2/3 of mixture into pan. Bake 10 minutes.


3. Remove from oven and evenly spread jam on top. Using your fingers, pinch and clump together remaining oat mixture and sprinkle over jam. Gently and carefully (the pan will be hot!) press into jam mixture. Bake again 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. 

4. Remove from oven and let cool at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve warm or room temperature. Cover and store leftovers at room temperature. 

Enjoy!


Revised recipe:
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
heaping 1/2 cup old-fashioned/rolled oats
1/2 cup quick oats
scant 1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg

1 cup fruit jam (peach, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, etc.)


Click here to print recipe!

*Note: Nutrition facts may vary due to brand of products.

Recipe adapted from
http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/2011/06/bake-to-show-your-appreciation.html

and

http://memoriesbythemile.com/2015/05/14/healthy-peach-jam-bars/