Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

These oh-so simple raspberry oatmeal bars are always such a hit. The chewy oat crust and topping plus the sweet raspberry filling make them irresistible!

Do you ever have one of those days when you just want something, anything, to be simple? I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves in that boat. If you’re in the mood for a deliciously easy treat that combines the comforting flavors of oats and the bright zing of raspberry, you’ve come to the right place. These raspberry oatmeal bars are just the thing for those times when you want something sweet without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

• Simple ingredients. This recipe calls for items you likely already have in your pantry, making it perfect for spontaneous baking. No special trips to the store needed!
• Quick and easy prep. In just 20 minutes, you can have your raspberry oatmeal bars ready to bake. It’s the ideal choice for when you need a swift and satisfying treat.
• One-bowl magic. Say goodbye to a pile of dishes—this recipe cleverly uses the same mixture for both crust and topping, keeping your kitchen clean and your baking process streamlined.
• Delightfully versatile. Whether you’re craving a midday treat or need a sweet addition to your next get-together, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. They’re as suited for solo snacking as they are for social gatherings.

What You’ll Need

See the recipe card below for the full recipe, including ingredient quantities and complete instructions.

• All-purpose flour – Measure by weight or use the spoon and sweep method. Learn more: How to Measure Flour
• Brown sugar – I prefer light brown sugar in these bars, instead of the bolder molasses flavor of dark brown sugar.
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Unsalted butter – Make sure your butter is cold for mixing. Cut it into cubes and return it to the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix.
• Oats – The smaller size of quick oats works well here to provide a delightfully chewy texture.
• Lemon juice – Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Raspberry jam or preserves – Choose a good quality variety with a flavor you enjoy.

How to Make Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

• Prepare for baking. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9″ x 13″ x 2″ baking pan.
• Make the crust and topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt, and then mix in the butter. You can mix with a pastry blender, your hands, or use your food processor. The mixture will be sandy but should hold together when pinched. Mix in the oats and lemon juice.
• Assemble. Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan. Next, spread the jam over the crust. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top of the jam and press down gently.
• Bake. Place the pan in the oven, and bake the bars until golden brown (about 25 to 30 minutes). Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Variations

There are plenty of ways to add a tasty twist to this recipe! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Jam choices. While raspberry jam is a classic choice, experiment with different flavors like strawberry, blackberry, or apricot. Each type of jam can put a unique twist on the recipe.
• Nutty twist. Mix a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the crust and topping for added texture and a nutty flavor. This gives a delightful crunch and pairs well with the soft jam.
• Citrus zest. Mix in the zest of an orange or a lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy note that complements the raspberry jam beautifully.
• Big or small. Cut these bars into whatever size you like! For sharing, I often cut them into 24 2-inch bars, but you can go bigger if you like. These you see here were cut into 12 extra large bars.

How to Store

After your raspberry oatmeal bars have cooled, place them in an airtight container. They should keep at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, they won’t keep quite as long and may become soft or sticky. For slightly longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator to store them up to a week.

Can These Raspberry Bars Be Frozen?

Yes, these bars freeze quite well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and then store them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

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