Raspberry Oat Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while being just a little on the healthier side. With a chewy texture and bursts of fruity goodness from the raspberries, they make for a delightful dessert or snack any time of day. If you have a craving for something fruity yet comforting, look no further than these simple bars. They are easy to prepare and bake right in your own kitchen, no special skills required.

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 first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer brunch with friends, where homemade foods flew off the table. The combination of oats and raspberries caught my eye, and the sweet aroma wafting from the oven had us all swooning. Unlike store-bought bars, which can sometimes taste overly processed, these Raspberry Oat Bars allow you to control the ingredients and tweak the sweetness to your taste. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You’ll have these bars ready for the oven in just 15 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The delightful mix of oats and tangy raspberries gives a chewy yet refreshing bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red of the raspberries against the golden brown crust is beautiful to serve at gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Great for a snack, breakfast treat, or even as a dessert at parties!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily made gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free oats, and the jam can be any flavor you choose.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for binding the bars together; you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary.
2 cups rolled oats: Adds texture and chewiness; make sure to use gluten-free oats if following a gluten-free diet.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the bars without overpowering the fresh raspberry flavor.
1/2 cup light brown sugar: Provides a richer flavor; you can substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different taste.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A lovely spice that adds warmth; feel free to experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for variety.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugars and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: This rich ingredient ensures the bars are moist; it’s best to soften butter for even mixing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries: The key to the fruity filling; frozen can easily be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
7 tablespoons raspberry jam: Use seedless jam for a smoother texture; any berry jam of choice works as an alternative.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For the filling, reinforcing that lovely vanilla flavor.
Pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit to amplify the sweetness from the jam.

How to Make Raspberry Oat Bars

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal once the bars are baked.

Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until combined.

Incorporate butter: Cut the 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it forms clumps and starts to come together when squeezed.

Add vanilla: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over the dough. Use your hands or a spoon to combine until everything is well mixed. Although it may seem like too much volume for an 8-inch pan, it’s just right!

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

Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the 2 1/2 cups of raspberries, 7 tablespoons of raspberry jam, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This keeps the raspberries from thawing while you assemble the bars.

Spread the filling: Pour the raspberry mixture over the prepared crust, leaving about a 1/3-inch border to prevent spilling over.

Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the raspberry filling. Lightly press it down to secure it without flattening too much, which helps avoid burnt edges.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed, and the jam is bubbling around the edges.

Cool down: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—about 2 hours—before chilling for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) before cutting.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Raspberry Oat Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days, which is ideal for freshness. For longer storage, you can slice the bars and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or allow them to sit on the counter for about an hour. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a quick pop in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can help revive their softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing when combining the butter with dry ingredients. You want small clumps for texture!
If using frozen raspberries, toss them in a little flour before adding to the filling to prevent excess moisture.
Make sure your butter is adequately softened for easier incorporation into the crumb mixture; this helps it come together smoothly.
Feel free to add nuts or coconut flakes for added texture if you like!
For flavor variations, try adding lemon zest to the berry mixture for a refreshing twist.
These bars are great to make ahead of time; they actually taste even better the next day!

Raspberry Oat Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and wholesome, making them a fantastic choice for satisfying your cravings any time of day. Whether you’re indulging in one with your morning coffee or serving them at a gathering, the fruitiness paired with the chewiness of the oats creates a memorable experience. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe—try different jams or add your favorite mix-ins, and enjoy the process of baking something delightful from scratch. I promise, these bars will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of fruit for the filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries. Each will bring its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment.

How do I ensure my bars don’t fall apart when cutting?

Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. Chilling them in the refrigerator for a few hours will set the filling and help maintain shape when slicing.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil and use a plant-based egg substitute for binding. Ensure the jam is also vegan-friendly.

How thick should the bars be?

The thickness largely depends on how you pack the crust and topping into the pan. Aim for a thickness of about 1 inch in the pan and bake until golden brown to ensure they hold together well.

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Raspberry Oat Bars

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 285 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Raspberry Oat Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh raspberries with a buttery oat crust. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

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
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) and line an 8"x8" pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until mixed well.
Add small cubes of butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to blend until fully incorporated, forming clumps of dough.
Drizzle vanilla extract over the dough and mix it in until combined; the mixture may seem large but it's correct.
Scoop approximately 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan and press firmly to form the crust.
Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl, mixing to keep raspberries from thawing.
Spread the raspberry mixture over the crust, leaving a small edge to prevent overflow.
Sprinkle the remaining dough over the jam and lightly press without flattening too much.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbling at the edges. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats.
The bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Slice and freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before serving.