We all have those jars in our fridge, right? The ones where you may not know what they are, or they keep getting pushed to the back because the kids decide they no longer want to eat them. My crew doesn't like fig jam in other applications, but they can't get enough of fig in this oatmeal jam bar recipe.
I love this recipe simply because it's so versatile. You can use whatever flour fits your dietary needs, including gluten-free. Just pick your favourite gluten-free blend and go for it. This recipe does use butter, and I haven't tested it myself with coconut oil, but I know others who have. However, it doesn't have eggs so also fits that need if you have an allergy.
It does make a MASSIVE batch - an entire half sheet pan. You might be telling yourself to halve the recipe, and the measurements ARE easy enough to do that. But I recommend just going for the entire batch at once since you already have dirty dishes. If you don't have a half sheet pan, just split into two quarter sheets, though you may need to reduce the baking time so you don't over brown them.
These bars freeze really well. I recommend cooling completely and slicing into bars before freezing. Then you could layer them with parchment in a container so you can thaw however many you need at once.
Oatmeal Jam Bars
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour all-purpose, whole wheat, gluten-free blend, etc.
- 2 cups oats quick or rolled
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups salted butter melted
- 4-5 cups jam or fruit sauce see notes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Mix flour, oats, sugar and baking soda together. Stir in the melted butter.
- Scoop out 1 ½ cups of the mixture and press the rest into a parchment lined half sheet pan (13”x18”).
- Spread jam on the base. Sprinkle remaining mixture on top. Bake 45 minutes, cool before cutting.
Notes
- Jam/fruit sauce options: use any jam, leftover cranberry sauce, apple sauce, mix dried fruit in with applesauce, mix multiple jams, use jams your family isn’t too keen on (my crew doesn't love fig jam but loves fig jam bars!). The world is your oyster, just make sure it adds up to about 4-5 cups. You can even go halvsies when spreading your jam flavours.
Nutrition
Lisa Pierce
My sister and I made the. Utterly Almond Ring during her stay here at Thanksgiving and omggggg it was amazing! Your Recipes are always the easiest and oh so good that you share! Thank yiu
jc
We're planning on making these tomorrow morning!
Julia Neff
Could I use pie filling that didn't set quite right?
kateschat
Absolutely!
Leah Glick
Made these with two different kinds of pear jam mixed together. Absolutely heavenly! Extremely easy to pull together.
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Yay! Thanks for the feedback
mogrma
On my list for in the morning
Katy
I’ve been making these for years from a similar recipe—they’re my go-to for a gluten-free dessert (or breakfast!). Oat flour works great ?
Jessi
These bars are so good and super easy to make. The first time I made them they were gone before I had a chance to freeze any. Perfect way to use up the previous season's jam, or a giant jar you couldn't pass up at Costco. ?
Jessi
These bars are so good and super easy to make. The first time I made them they were gone before I had a chance to freeze any. Perfect way to use up the previous season's jam, or a giant jar you couldn't pass up at Costco. ?
Kristy
One of my favorites to use up half used jars of our homemade jam. So fun to split the pan in half or quarters so all family members get their favorite!
RachelCornelsen
I've been making this recipe from Kate for a couple years now and it is such a crowd pleaser!! So easy to make gluten and dairy free too! Making it an amazing dessert to have on hand or bring to an event, and have it be safe for everyone to enjoy!
Lindsay
Um I think I messed up - we used half almond flour and half gf bob's flour and they are still not cooked in the middle after an hour?? Jam and all the bottom and top and gooey like pudding..... help??!!
Rachel Cornelsen
Oh no! When I made them GF I used a GF blend for all of it, so I would try that next time, as I find almond flour behaves differently and isn’t great for swapping 1-1. I hope you try again, as these are delicious and freeze so well.
Caitlin Gray
I’ve made these 2 times when they were just in your IG highlights. They freeze so well!
Brigitte Fisher
Can't wait to try this! It gets cold sometimes in Florida!
Tiffany
These are delicious! We used applesauce as the filling and the kids gobbled them up with eggs for breakfast. We’ll definitely be making them again. Thank you for sharing such an easy recipe!
Tish
Kate said use the jam/jelly your family doesn't like and they will gobble them up! Yes- yes, they did!
But I did freeze some for later.
Tonight, I used the spiced plum jelly (that didn't really gel) on one side and the lemon ginger marmalade on the other side (I lost my head when making it last year and added in all the pulp which made it texturally unpleasant). Wow!-did that do the trick! I love the marmalade side and girl child is adoring the plum side, while dad likes everything sweet so he likes it all. And here I thought I was gonna have to throw out some of this stuff...not any more! (Happy dance!)
Absolutely a winner recipe for a simple yet awesome treat!
Gina
I have made these with some leftover jam I had. It was so easy, filling and delicious.
Cindy Vanderpol
Going to give these a go today!
becnerdy
These are so good! I just happened to pull a quart of salted Carmel apple butter from the fridge a couple days ago to thaw. Now it is delicious oatmeal bars. So easy to make! Look forward to using the recipe to use up all the jam leftovers next time.
Tisha
Yum! Great way to use up the rest of my frozen fruit!
Cookinganne
I’ve made this a few times now. I love that it makes a big batch and I can freeze some to have for another day. I plan to make them next week as I had a friend who was sick and I last minute made them a meal to drop off but didn’t have time to make a dessert. So I am going to make sure I have some dessert in had to put with last minute meals.
Linda Sandusky (lgsandlot)
I love this recipe! It’s simple and adaptable plus makes a bunch. Thanks
NMThonet
This has become a family favorite especially with my peach jam!
mogrma
Made this recipe...I used fig ...yummy and super easy
Katie
I made this a few days ago to use up some "blueberry butter" I had from spring 2019. It was awesome! I will definitely be making it again!
oleder
This is a great recipe! I definitely need to put in less jam next time... but there will be next time! Thanks!
kateschat
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ana Julia
I've just made them and don't think they will make it to the freezer. I swapped butter for coconut oil and added some poppy and sesame seeds, it turned out great. They take very little time to make and make very few dishes, a keeper for sure!
kateschat
sounds so yummy!
Terry
Easy and tasty bars.
daphnerp
So good! Made with Gf flour and smashed up fig preserves and they were pretty much inhaled by everyone.
Mandy Wittmer
When I saw these bars and the recommendation that you use what jam you have on hand, I had to make them. They did not disappoint! So good and buttery. Feeds a crowd and freezes nicely. Everyone loved them!
Marisa B.
These are so good. Perfect way to use up my half jars of jam. These are a new family favorite. We'll be making them often!
jessicaksmith
love these bars and are so easy to through together, we've made peach and elderberry jam bars
Lillian
I love how versatile this recipe is. I am able to make it dairy free, and sub out the sugar for maple syrup & honey. It tastes delicious, not sure if it taste as good as if I made it with the butter and sugar but my kids love it.
Michelle
Has anyone experimented with reduced sugar? Any tips to share?
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I would definitely experiment with reducing the sugar if you want to. I always make reduced sugar jams so I don't feel the need to. You could also use coconut sugar which is not as sweet but remember an alteration of the recipe could change the outcome so don't make a large batch to begin with.
Kim
Yum! I halved the recipe and used 3 different random jams! It is so good! My family all gave it a big thumbs up! Thanks Kate!
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That's such a great idea!
Lindsay Gould
LOVED! My son has some very challenging food allergies and intolerances.... Dairy, coconut, chicken & egg. This recipe was LOVELY. As we cannot use butter, and cannot use cocounut oil, I used rendered duck lard I had on hand. It was still devine! Do what you gotta do! Thanks for the easy and adaptable recipe!
Leah Glick
I've made these multiple times and a few notes -
A tarter jam/sauce is better for more rounded flavor.
Go for the higher amount of jam on the bars.
Double the full batch for maximum use of those jams that no one picks off the shelf on their own! (Yup, ya heard me - double the batch.) All the better to share with neighbors, friends and everyone you know!
And yes, these freeze absolutely like a dream.
Lindsay
I just made these with gluten free flour and some fig jam that I made last week and HOT DAMN. They turned out SO GOOD. I'm taking this batch to a party tonight, I'm sure everyone will love them - especially the folks that can't do gluten or eggs. I will be making this recipe again for sure!
Michelle
Cut back to 2 cups sugar and it was plenty sweet. Very good and easy to make.
Carrie
I've made these so many times using a huge variety of "what I've got" fillings and they are always amazing. Thanks for a great recipe Kate! Makes it so nice to clean out the fridge and use some jam that isn't my boy's favourite and turn it into something delicious 🙂
Sarah
Has anyone tried this with soaked oats?
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Not that I know of.
Michelle
Very good recipe. Added only 2 cups sugar and it was still plenty sweet. Also subbed half the butter for coconut oil.
MS
Made these for the first time today. I had an abundance of homemade plum jam to use and it worked perfectly. I did cut down the sugar by one cup as we don't like sweet as much as we used to in younger days. A recipe to save for sure! Love them!
Debi RN
I’ve been making Jam Bars for years but don’t enjoy the “cut the butter into the dry ingredients” part….. then I found YOUR FABULOUS recipe!!!! No “cutting into” which saves so much time. I now love making them! I’m going to try using 1 cup white and one cup brown sugar to see how that works (my previous recipe used only brown sugar so I think it will work great combining the two!).
Thanks for a super easy, fabulous recipe!
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I love this recipe too! I always play with the sugar types and a,o7nts based on what I have in the baking drawer. Always works out!
Reb
They are delicious!
I've made these a couple times, a little differently each time, but for both, 45 minutes was definitely too long...in my oven anyhow
Ms
Help! Lol....after 45 mins of baking @ 350 it's still wobbly and not set. The top looks tan and I worry the bottom will burn.
I will turn the heat down and cover with foil to avoid burning the top. Other than that, does anyone have suggestions?? (*I didn't change anything in the recipe so I don't know what happened. )
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I usually find that the jam filling takes a bit of time to set once you take it out of the oven. Just like when you make jam...it sets as it cools. I hope it worked out for you!
Lauren H
These are SOooooo delicious! Another one of Kate's recipes that's a family favorite!
CP
Turned out perfectly. I halved the recipe and I only played with the flavor a bit by using redcurrant jelly and adding 1 tsp vanilla and THIS IS IMPORTANT 2 drops of Jasmine flavoring (available in Asian stores).
The jasmine took this to a level of deliciousness I was not prepared for! 2 drops was just right. Anymore and it would have been soapy/perfumy, like a lot of flower flavorings can be. The right amount though... ? heavenly.
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Ahhhhhh this sounds amazing!
Cassie
Wait...2 CUPS of butter?! Did I read that right or typo? if that 's right any way I can reduce? this seems like a lot...475 cal? I'm no diet Nazi but I try to keep it healthy if possible. Thx in advance
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You are correct it's 2 cups but it's also a cookie sheet pan of bars so it's a larger recipe. And it's delicious.
Danica p
I'm dairy-free, and I don't have coconut oil right now. Suppose I could use nutmilk to replace the melted butter? I've used it before like that.
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Absolutely!
Amanda
So incredibly easy to put together and great to make when you’re bringing a snack for a crowd of kids!
One thing though, the recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sugar, I only used 1 cup of sugar for the whole thing and thought it was plenty sweet. I might even use a little less next time. The jams lend plenty of natural sweetness!
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Jam certainly does add sweetness, but if you don't put much sugar or honey in your jam, the extra sugar is nice in the recipe. It's a Use-What-You-Got, Make it how you like it recipe!
Janna
I live these jam bars. They taste super similar to a date bar you'd get at a coffee shop and who doesn't like those. Thanks for the awesome recipe Kate!
Lucia Rome
Perfect. It is requested on rotation at our house 🙂
Valerie
SO good….and helps me use the jam that I make so that I can make more. ??
Jessica
This has become a go to recipe when I need to whip something up fast and feed several people. It is always delicious no matter the jam I use!
Shannon D.
Made these today with cherry preserves! Delicious. Easy. Always a fan favorite.
Paige
These, so so so good! Made three times now and always a hit! Combined elderberry, raspberry, peach and black raspberry jams, everyone loved them!
Kim
These bars are delicious! I've made several different flavors with homemade jams.
Brit
So good and quick to come together and use up a bunch of jams/jelly's and fruit sauces!
Rachel Jones
I love this recipe for using up random odds and ends of jams or canned fruits. It's very forgiving so you can use what you have on hand. Most of Kate's recipes are like that! Pretty fool proof!
SallieK
This is such an adaptable recipe. It’s simple and incredibly delicious. It makes a TON of bars which after several days of gorging ourselves on, I finally relented and froze a large qty. They defrost wonderfully w/parchment between layers.
This recipe is a keeper!
Amber Strong
These are amazing!! I tripled the batch last time and froze a bunch. So delicious even right out of the freezer!
Amanda
I love this recipe. It’s nice and easy, everyone loved it!
Hannah Fogarty
My whole family loves these jam bars. I usually just use applesauce aS my “jam” and add some cinnamon. I also cut the sugar in half or it’s a lot too sweet for us, but that’s a personal preference.
Lesa
Make these all the time! Delicious and Great for gatherings
Dorcas
This recipe is perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon snacks, and the best part .. using up all the extra jelly, jam, preserves or apple butter! #cleanthefridge
Dorcas
Perfect way to mark 2 things off my list,
Make snack
Clean the fridge!
Ashley
These bars are amazing! So easy to make. I love making them for my husband to take to work to share. Everyone loves them.
Raquel
I love that this recipe allows you to be flexible with the filling! We have made them with "odds and ends" that aren't disappearing like "ground cherry jam" and the bars disappear in record time!
Thecia Boothe
Love love love these jam bars. Delicious and nutritious.
Ashley Pullen
These are so delicious! They have become my go-to when we get together with other families for snacks. Apple butter, apple sauce, pear sauce… all delicious!
Mary
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Chrystal Van Order
Love how versatile this recipe can be especially when I need to clean out my pantry of jams before the next canning season. This is always a hit in our house
Deanna Taylor
These are a hit here! I’ll usually cut the sugar back a bit and the kids still devour it. And I don’t feel too guilty about having a piece for breakfast lol.
Kate M.
I LOVE how easy this recipe is. Everyone has these basic pantry ingredients and I love that I can use up jam that my family didn’t care for. They eat it in this recipe tho 😉
Janna
One of our family favorites! Also we freeze half and they freeze beautifully for later.
Meaghan
I like being able to use up odd jams for these. They are quick and easy, and yummy!
Krista
These are really easy to make and the kids love them! I cut the sugar in the oat base part by ½ or more b/c I think our jam must be sweeter than Kate’s! If you have extra jam hanging around these are a must make!
Kimberly
This recipe is so versatile and forgiving and as she said the bars freeze beautifully. I have taken these to a mom’s book club and had multiple requests to share the recipe; they are simple to make and SO yummy! I’ve made them gluten free and with a mixture of jams. Excellent recipe!!
Dawn
I love the simplicity and versatility of these bars! My favorite way to make them gluten free is with gf oats, and almond flour. I add toasted almonds to the topping too. I’ve had multiple people ask for your recipe!
Amanda
My family loves these delicious bars and I love making them. They're super easy to make and a great way to use up leftover bits of jam from the fridge.
Krysten
So many variations possible and SO delicious! thank you!!
Cassie
These are so good! I love that they’re made with simple ingredients that I keep on hand!
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Exactly! Me too.
Alicia
These are always a hit and a great way to use up "less desirable" jam flavors that I may have tried to get that my kids weren't thrilled with.
Shayna Christensen
These are a family fave! I usually make a triple batch for quick and easy snacks. They have replaced granola bars in our home
Carrie
This is a go to recipe. I make it about once a month and it freezes amazingly!
Victoria Rudderow
These are delicious and so easy. I make them the day before a playground playdate because it makes so many and the kids all love them. They also store really well in the fridge m.
Emily B
So good! I like that you can use up what is in the fridge!
Rebecca
These are so delicious and they use up that extra homemade jam and preserves.
Kim
Very delicious and easy to make! Don’t skimp on the jelly.:).
Dana Holliday
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I don't typically eat jam so I was able to know out 5 jars that had been gifted. Blueberry, strawberry, fig and apple butter in one pan! Thank you for keeping it simple! I've tried other recipes with so many ingredients that it takes forever. This recipe is a keeper.
Look forward to checking out your venison recipes.
Katie
I haven't made this in decades but I started thinking about making some. It always came out so good. Yes, use up the jam/jelly jars and they are so good all mixed together. Do whatever you want, experiment with some honey drizzled on the inside. I wonder if my old Better Homes & Garden cookbook had it?, I used to give it for a wedding gift. It was great as the pages could come out and I'd tape it to the counter door while i cooked. Well, got the oatmeal & some jams....looking forward to having fun with this. Drizzle some buttercream frosting on top a bit, or I used to try and copy that great topping on the huge muffins - buttery crumbly sweet. So hard to get right but great tasting errors. February 28, 2026
Rachel
I’d like to make a half recipe in a 9 x 13 pan. Any idea how long it should bake?
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It should take about the same time.
Teresa
I've done this recipe a few times already, every time the jam situation gets out of control in my fridge. They always turn out so good. As Kate says, my kids will eat any flavour in these bars, even if they dont like the jam flavour itself!