Description
Crispy Oatmeal Crumble Bars
A berry sweet snack for any occasion!
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups oats
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 tsp almond extract
1 cup strawberry preserves
Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a pan with parchment paper.
Combine oats, almond flour, sugar, and melted butter. Add almond extract and mix well.
Spread half the mixture in the pan, top with strawberry preserves, and crumble the remaining mixture over it.
Bake for 25 minutes and cool before cutting into bars.
Description:
A berry burst of flavor in every bite! Perfect for a picnic or snack. Double-tap if you’d try this! #BerryOatBars
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time.
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Make Crumble: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups oats, 3/4 cup almond flour, and 1/2 cup sugar. Pour in 1/3 cup melted, cooled butter and 1/4 tsp almond extract. Mix with a fork until the mixture is uniformly moist and crumbly.
- Layer Base: Firmly press slightly more than half of the oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even, compact base layer.
- Add Filling: Spread 1 cup of strawberry preserves evenly over the base layer, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent sticking.
- Top & Bake: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the preserves. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool Completely: This is crucial! Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before using the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out. Cut into bars only when completely cool.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars are delightful on their own but can be elevated for any occasion.
- Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or take them on picnics for a sweet, portable treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
- For a festive touch, drizzle cooled bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
How-to Summary
In short: Mix oat crumble, press half into a pan, layer with strawberry jam, top with remaining crumble, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. The key to clean bars is allowing them to cool completely before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jam? Absolutely! Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot preserves all work wonderfully. For a tart contrast, try cherry or blackberry.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easily adaptable.
My crumble topping sank into the jam. Why? This happens if the butter was too warm or the base layer wasn’t pressed firmly enough. Ensure your melted butter has cooled and compact the base layer well.
How should I store the bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the almond flour? You can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the texture will be less tender and nutty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting While Warm: This is the top mistake. It will cause the bars to fall apart. Patience is essential.
- Using Hot Butter: Pouring hot melted butter into the dry ingredients can “cook” the flour and alter the texture. Let it cool slightly first.
- Uneven Pressing: A loosely packed base layer will not provide a solid foundation. Press it down firmly and evenly.
- Overbaking: The bars are done when the top is golden. Overbaking will dry them out and make them too hard.
Conclusion
These Crispy Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a simple yet impressive treat that masterfully balances a buttery, crisp texture with sweet, fruity jam. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfect, portable bars every time. They are endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for snacks, desserts, and gifts. Enjoy your berry burst of flavor!
