Strawberry Filled Oatmeal Bars
I just returned to Boston last Wednesday evening after a wonderful and relaxing three-week vacation in Minnesota with the family. After such a long trip, I knew Thursday had to be a day of playing “catch-up.” You know what that entails… the ever-exciting unpacking, cleaning, and general restoration of normalcy for the home.
As I always like to have something sweet on hand for lunches, snacks, etc…the first task on my list was baking some fresh cookies for the cookie jar. However, as I was gathering ingredients for my favorite chocolate chip cookies, I quickly realized that I didn’t have any eggs…fail. After promptly adding eggs to my ever-growing grocery list, I went back to the drawing board. I knew I had butter, sugar and old-fashioned oats on hand, so I started brainstorming on what I could create with those simple ingredients. After looking through some old church cookbooks of my grandmother’s, (LOVE old cookbooks!) I decided upon this.
Strawberry Filled Oatmeal Bars.
These little squares of goodness are filled with an ooey-gooey layer of strawberry jam, and topped with a crumbly, oaty, brown-sugary topping (think apple crisp) that is sure to please. Don’t let the short list of ingredients deter you; these bars pack a flavorful punch. When Ryan claimed that he was “craving them all day” after eating one at lunch, and then further declared they were his “new favorite,” I knew I had to share them with you. I hope you enjoy!
Original Post: 1/17/12
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2
cup packed light brown sugar - 1/2
cup butter, softened - 1/2
teaspoon vanilla - 1
cup all-purpose flour - 1/4
teaspoon baking soda - 1/8
teaspoon salt - 1
cup rolled oats - 2/3
– 3/4 cup strawberry jam (I use 3/4 cup)
Directions:
- Preheat
oven to 350 degrees. - Using
cooking spray, grease one 9×9 inch pan. (You could also line with greased
parchment paper.) - In
a mixer combine all ingredients except butter and strawberry jam until well
combined. - Mix
in softened butter until you have a nice crumbly mixture. - Press
about 2/3 of the mixture (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups) into the bottom of the baking
dish. - Heat
jam in the microwave (in a microwave safe dish) for about 20 seconds, then
stir. This will make step seven MUCH easier. - Spread
the strawberry jam evenly over the top, allowing room for a small border of
oats at the edge. (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) - Sprinkle
the remaining oat mixture over the top. - Bake
for 35 to 40 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool
before cutting into bars.
