These Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars are buttery, sweet, chewy, and packed with strawberry flavor. They have a soft oatmeal crumb base, a thick layer of strawberry jam, and a golden crumble topping that bakes into the perfect dessert bar.
They are easy enough for a weeknight treat but pretty enough for spring parties, brunch, lunch boxes, potlucks, or holiday dessert trays. If you love fruit bars, oatmeal cookies, or strawberry desserts, this is one of those simple recipes you will want to make again.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Jam Bars
These bars are easy to make with pantry staples and do not require any complicated steps. The same oatmeal mixture is used for both the crust and the crumble topping, which keeps the recipe simple and fast.
The strawberry jam adds a sweet fruit filling without needing to cook down fresh berries. That makes this a great recipe when you want something homemade but do not want a fussy dessert.
They are also easy to slice, pack, and serve, which makes them a strong choice for parties, bake sales, picnics, and make-ahead desserts.
What Do Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars Taste Like?
These bars taste like a cross between a soft oatmeal cookie and a strawberry crumble. The bottom layer is buttery and slightly chewy, the center is sweet and fruity, and the top bakes into a golden oat crumble.
The strawberry jam gives the bars a bright berry flavor, while the oats add texture and make each bite feel more hearty than a basic cookie bar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You will need simple baking ingredients for this recipe, including oats, flour, butter, sugar, and strawberry jam. Use the full measurements listed in the recipe card below.
For the best texture, old-fashioned oats usually work better than quick oats because they give the bars a chewier bite. Strawberry jam, preserves, or fruit spread can all work, but a thicker jam will usually slice cleaner than a thin one.
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Start by preparing the oatmeal crumb mixture. This mixture becomes both the crust and the topping, so there is no need to make two separate doughs.
Press part of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This helps create a sturdy base that holds together after baking.
Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the crust. Try to leave a small border around the edges so the jam does not bubble too much against the sides of the pan.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer. It does not need to fully cover the top. A little jam peeking through gives the bars a pretty homemade look.
Bake until the topping is lightly golden and the jam is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This part matters. If you cut them too early, the filling will be messy and the bars may fall apart.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Jam Bars
Use parchment paper so the bars lift out of the pan cleanly.
Press the bottom crust firmly into the pan. A loose crust will crumble when sliced.
Use a thick strawberry jam or preserves for the cleanest bars.
Let the bars cool fully before cutting. Warm jam bars are delicious, but they will not slice neatly.
For cleaner cuts, chill the bars briefly before slicing them into squares.
Recipe Variations
You can change the flavor by using raspberry jam, blueberry preserves, blackberry jam, peach preserves, or mixed berry jam.
For extra flavor, add a little lemon zest to the oatmeal mixture. Lemon pairs especially well with strawberry and makes the bars taste brighter.
How to Store Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a short period, or refrigerate them if you want them to stay firm longer.
If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between layers so the jam does not stick.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Jam Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Let them cool completely, slice them, and place them in a freezer-safe container. Add parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Thaw the bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
If you like these Oatmeal Jam Bars, try this my Cranberry Bliss Bars or Strawberry Fig Jam Bars, next. For more dessert bar recipes, try these Strawberries and Cream Bars.
Both these Lemon Bars and Cherry Bars are a hit, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
This recipe is designed for jam or preserves. Fresh strawberries release more liquid and may make the bars too soft unless the filling is cooked down first.
Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Yes. Raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, peach, or apricot jam would all work well.
Why are my bars falling apart?
The most common reason is cutting them before they have cooled completely. The crust also needs to be pressed firmly into the pan before baking.
Should these bars be served warm or cold?
They can be served either way, but they slice best after they have cooled. For neat bars, let them cool completely before cutting.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These are a great make-ahead dessert because they hold their shape well once cooled and stored properly.
More Strawberry Dessert Recipes
If you love easy strawberry desserts, try these bars with your favorite spring and summer treats. They are perfect for brunch, dessert trays, potlucks, and family gatherings.
If you like these Oatmeal Jam Bars, try this my Cranberry Bliss Bars or Strawberry Fig Jam Bars, next. For more dessert bar recipes, try these Strawberries and Cream Bars.
Both these Lemon Bars and Cherry Bars are a hit, too.
Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Ingredients
- ¾ cup cold butter cut into pieces
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch of cinnamon optional
- ¼ cup pecans chopped – optional
- 9 ounces strawberry honey jam (or any flavor) Smucker's® Fruit & Honey Strawberry Fruit Spread OR any jam flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 9 pan with butter; set aside.
- Slice cold butter into little pieces; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and old fashioned oats. Add chopped pecans and cinnamon if using.
- Whisk together until combined. Add sliced butter. Use a pastry blender to blend in the butter OR using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, turn on low and allow mixture to crumb together. Don't over mix the batter, you want the mixture to be crumbly.
- Spread just enough dough mixture on the bottom to cover it and gently press it in.
- Spread Smucker's® Fruit & Honey Strawberry Fruit Spread onto crust then gently press remaining oat topping over the jam.
- Bake in oven for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate and it’s accuracy is not guaranteed to be exact.
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If you like these Oatmeal Jam Bars, try this my Cranberry Bliss Bars or Strawberry Fig Jam Bars, next. For more dessert bar recipes, try these Strawberries and Cream Bars.
Both these Lemon Bars and Cherry Bars are a hit, too.
31 Responses
These are great! I looked everywhere and couldn’t find jam with honey. Wondered if I should be adding a little honey to the recipe if I’m using regular strawberry jam – or using another jam such as raspberry or blackberry? Thoughts? Thank you.
I am all about experimenting! Let me know how it goes!!
Have you or anyone you know tried this recipe with a GF (Gluten Free) flour? I am wanting to give it a try just curious as to how it has turned out for others. Thanks!
Oh! Or, has anyone added protein powder (plant based) to the oat/flour mix? Thanks!
Hi Kimberly! I have not personally tested this exact recipe with gluten-free flour or plant-based protein powder, but I do think both could work with a little caution.
For a gluten-free version, I’d start with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour and make sure your oats are labeled certified gluten-free. Since these bars are already a crumbly oat-style bar, the texture should be fairly forgiving, though gluten-free flour may make them a little more delicate.
For protein powder, I’d start small. Try replacing 2 to 3 tablespoons of the flour with plant-based protein powder instead of adding it on top of the dry ingredients. Plant-based protein can absorb more moisture and sometimes make baked goods dry or gritty, so I would not use too much on the first test.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
it was very tasty! we prepared this with the children. we used raspberry jam. the dough was so delicious that some of it was eaten before we put it in the oven!
I love it! So happy you and the kiddos enjoyed =)
Could you swap the butter for peanut butter? I’m thinking about making PB&J version for my kids.
That sounds like a great idea! Try it and let me know how it goes!!
I made these with raspberry jam and sliced almonds. While the flavor was good, they were very dry.
I baked for 40 mns and would adjust the bake time by at least 10 mns less.
Lee, thank you for the feedback. I am sorry to hear that the recipe turned out dry for you. I hope you will come back and try some of our other delicious recipes.
What’s the best way to store these?
For storing Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars, let them cool completely, then keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days.
I love these bars and have been making them for years. But trying to bring down the calorie count, and grams of sugar, and maybe even cut down on butter and wondered how they would turn out.
I already just crush fresh strawberries instead of jam and they turned out great. Any ideas? Or will I just lose the total yummy flavor by altering the receipe? Thanks.
It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve been enjoying the Strawberry Oatmeal Jam Bars! If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, sugar content, and amount of butter, there are several alterations you can make without drastically compromising the delicious flavor of the bars. Here are some suggestions:
Butter Substitute:
Greek Yogurt or Applesauce: You can replace half the butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt. This reduces the fat content and still gives a moist texture.
Coconut Oil: Another option is to replace butter with coconut oil. While it’s still a fat, it offers a different nutrient profile and flavor.
Sugar Reduction:
Since you’re using fresh strawberries, their natural sweetness will already help in cutting down sugar content.
For the brown sugar in the crust, you can reduce the amount by 1/4 (so use 3/4 cup instead of a full cup). The bars might be slightly less sweet but still delicious.
You can also consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, which can be used in baking and is calorie-free.
Oats:
To further cut down on calories and boost the fiber content, you can increase the amount of oats slightly and decrease the amount of all-purpose flour. Try using 1 3/4 cups of oats and 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Add-ins:
You can also consider adding in some ground flaxseed or chia seeds. They will provide added fiber and nutrients, and chia seeds especially can help bind the bars together, potentially allowing for a bit less butter.
Pecans:
While they are optional in the recipe, keep in mind that while nuts do add to the calorie count, they also contribute healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you full.
Remember, when making alterations to a tried-and-true recipe, the final product might have a slightly different texture or flavor profile. However, by making incremental changes and tasting along the way, you can find a balance that works for your dietary needs without sacrificing too much of the flavor you love.
These are super delicious but I’m not a fan of how crumbly they are for my toddler. Is there a secret to make them not so crumbly?
Do we know the calories?
The post has been updated with the nutrition to reflect it.
Put about 1/3 of the mixture in the bottom otherwise you have a really thick top.
(Could even make this in and 11×7 pan if you don’t have a 9×9)
These look so good! Does it work well with other kinds of jam?
Yes! Substitute with any store-bought jam or homemade.
Yes, I used homemade peach jam! Next time I think I’ll use 22 ounces instead of 9. I’m also going to press the bottom crust up the sides of my pan to keep the jam from the edges.
That sounds excellent! Let me know how it turns out!
These are flipping AMAZING. Out of this world good. I used regular Smuckers strawberry preserves. Can’t wait to make some for friends with new babies! I wonder if they freeze well? Maybe individually wrapped when cooled?
Yes, they freeze well. Flash freeze on a sheet pan for 30 minutes or until just hard then place them in a freezer bag or wrap up however many you’d normally eat over a day or two at a time.
These look yummy! I know my kids will love them! I’ll save to Pinterest!
Thank you!
Can totally imagine myself under blankets having these bars with a big cup of tea!
Oh, these look like a great breakfast! I love the texture oatmeal brings to things like this.
Wish I had a few of these right now, Thanks, Mary!
Jessica these oatmeal jam bars look fabulous. I like oats for their moisture. Very nice photographs too. Cheers….Mark
Jam bars are the best and I love all the oats in these 🙂 Pinning!