Raspberry Oat Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful bridge between a sweet treat and a wholesome snack. Each luscious, chewy bar is packed with fresh raspberry flavor, balanced beautifully by the hearty texture of rolled oats. When you bite into one, you’re greeted with a perfect blend of sweet and tart, complemented by a hint of cinnamon, making them a fabulous indulgence for any time of the day. Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a quick dessert, these bars are bound to make your taste buds dance with joy.

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

I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these Raspberry Oat Bars in my cozy kitchen on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The aroma of buttery oats mixed with sweet raspberries filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that quickly turned into the fond memory of sharing this treat with family and friends. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and a crowd-pleaser, this recipe will soon become a staple in your baking repertoire. Grab your apron and get ready to enjoy these beautiful bars that are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tart raspberries and sweet oat crumble is pure bliss in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant raspberries peek through the golden oat topping, making for a dreamy dessert display.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion – snack, breakfast treat, or dessert – they fit right in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily convert to gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour: This forms the base. You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for different textures.
2 cups (180 grams) rolled oats: Choose gluten-free oats if needed. They provide a hearty, chewy texture for the bars.
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in browning. Consider coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar: This contributes moisture and depth, thanks to its molasses content.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the other flavors, making everything taste cozy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the bars a slight rise, creating a lovely, tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A key ingredient to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature: This yields a rich, tender base. Always use unsalted to control the salt content.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for flavor! Avoid imitation vanilla for a more authentic taste.
2 1/2 cups (355 grams) fresh or frozen raspberries: Fresh berries are ideal, but frozen works perfectly if you’re in a pinch.
7 tablespoons (125 grams) seedless raspberry jam: This adds a luscious, smooth raspberry layer. Other berry jams can also work beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: To deepen the flavor of the jam filling.
Pinch of salt: A little is enough to enhance the sweetness of the jam.

How to Make Raspberry Oat Bars

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take an 8″x8″ pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well blended.

Incorporate Butter: Cut the 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter into small cubes. Add these to your dry ingredients, using your fingers to work the butter into the mixture. You want it to be crumbly, and it should start coming together when squeezed.

Add Vanilla: Once you see the mixture starting to clump, drizzle 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over the mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to blend it in, ensuring the dough forms without becoming overly compacted. Yes, it may seem like a lot for an 8”x8” pan, but don’t worry — it’s just right!

Form the Crust: Scoop about 2/3 of the dough (roughly 582 grams or 2 2/3 cups) into your prepared pan. Press it firmly and even across the bottom to create a sturdy crust.

Prepare the Filling: In a smaller bowl, mix together the 2 1/2 cups of raspberries and 7 tablespoons of raspberry jam along with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and a pinch of salt. This ensures a tasty treat without mushy berries.

Spread the Filling: Carefully spread the jam mixture over the crust, leaving about a 1/3″ border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.

Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the filling. Lightly press it into the jam without flattening too much; this helps avoid burning the oat edges while ensuring even coverage.

Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, noticing the topping turn golden brown and slightly puff up. You might see the jam bubbling around the edges — that’s a sign of deliciousness!

Cool and Chill: Once baked, remove the pan and let it cool completely on a rack for about 2 hours. Then, chill for at least 2-3 hours or overnight before slicing. Patience is key here; the flavors meld beautifully while cooling.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Raspberry Oat Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for prolonging freshness. If you’re ready to stock up for later, slice them into squares and freeze in a single layer. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, or let them sit on the counter for about an hour. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a quick reheating in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds can bring back their warmth and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough, ensuring the right texture.
Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the butter; it should just come together.
If using frozen raspberries, don’t thaw them before mixing; this helps maintain their shape and prevents excess moisture.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumb topping.
If your bars seem too crumbly after baking, try pressing the topping more firmly into the jam during assembly.
These bars can be made ahead of time and served later, making them an ideal option for gatherings.

Raspberry Oat Bars are not just a satisfying treat but also a judicious mix of flavor and comfort. They offer the sweetness you crave without the feeling of overindulgence, and with each ingredient lending its hand to a delightful experience, they invite creativity in variations and substitutions. Give them a try and let your taste buds enjoy this beautiful symphony of flavors!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the raspberries with another fruit?

Absolutely! While raspberries lend a wonderful tartness, you can easily switch them out for blueberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries. Just ensure any substitutions balance sweetness and acidity for the best results!

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Yes! These Raspberry Oat Bars freeze beautifully. Just slice them into individual squares after baking and cool completely before placing them in a single layer in the freezer. Transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Making your Raspberry Oat Bars gluten-free is simple! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure you use gluten-free rolled oats. This maintains the texture and flavor you love.

What can I serve these bars with?

These bars are quite versatile! Enjoy them as is, or pair them with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for an extra touch. They also make for a delightful addition to breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

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Raspberry Oat Bars

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 285 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: BROWNIES & BARS
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the delightful taste of Raspberry Oat Bars, featuring a crispy oat topping and a luscious raspberry filling. Simple to make, these bars are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings, showcasing fresh ingredients for a wholesome treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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, room temp
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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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Line an 8"x8" pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, mixing until well blended.
Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the dry mixture. Use your fingers to incorporate the butter until it creates a dough that sticks together when pressed.
Drizzle the vanilla extract over the dough and mix it in using hands or a spoon. It may seem like too much for the pan, but it's correct.
Scoop about 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan and press it down evenly to form the crust.
In a small bowl, combine all filling ingredients to keep raspberries from thawing too much.
Spread the raspberry filling over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the top of the filling, lightly pressing it down.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and jam bubbles at the edges. Let cool completely in the pan for about 2 hours, then chill for 2-3 hours or overnight before cutting.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later.

Notes

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Using seedless raspberry jam helps achieve a smoother filling texture.
Chilling the bars helps to set the layers for easier slicing.