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    Home » Most Recently Added » Baking

    Use-What-You-Got Oatmeal Jam Bar Recipe

    Published: Dec 4, 2020 · Updated: Jul 9, 2021 by kateschat · This post may contain affiliate links · 54 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Mason jars of rolled oats and various flavors of jam sitting on the counter.

    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.

    Oatmeal jam bars in a parchment-lined sheet pan.

    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.

    Side view of layered oatmeal jam bars on a pretty floral plate.

    Oatmeal Jam Bars

    Kate Schat
    These are a great catch-all dessert or snack. You can sneak any jam flavour languishing in your fridge into these delightful bars. They freez SUPER well and are easily made gluten-free.
    4.91 from 40 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 bars
    Calories 475 kcal

    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

    Calories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 2gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 473IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Cut out oatmeal jam bars on a floral saucer.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lisa Pierce

      December 04, 2020 at 1:52 pm

      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

      Reply
      • jc

        December 04, 2020 at 5:55 pm

        We're planning on making these tomorrow morning!

        Reply
      • Julia Neff

        August 14, 2021 at 10:56 am

        Could I use pie filling that didn't set quite right?

        Reply
        • kateschat

          August 17, 2021 at 5:26 pm

          Absolutely!

      • Leah Glick

        November 04, 2021 at 4:37 pm

        5 stars
        Made these with two different kinds of pear jam mixed together. Absolutely heavenly! Extremely easy to pull together.

        Reply
        • [email protected]

          November 09, 2021 at 2:06 pm

          Yay! Thanks for the feedback

    2. mogrma

      December 04, 2020 at 6:08 pm

      On my list for in the morning

      Reply
    3. Katy

      December 04, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      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 ?

      Reply
    4. Jessi

      December 04, 2020 at 8:25 pm

      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. ?

      Reply
    5. Jessi

      December 04, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      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. ?

      Reply
    6. Kristy

      December 04, 2020 at 9:05 pm

      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!

      Reply
    7. RachelCornelsen

      December 04, 2020 at 9:57 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Lindsay

        July 29, 2022 at 4:15 pm

        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??!!

        Reply
    8. Caitlin Gray

      December 05, 2020 at 2:43 am

      I’ve made these 2 times when they were just in your IG highlights. They freeze so well!

      Reply
    9. Brigitte Fisher

      December 05, 2020 at 5:46 am

      Can't wait to try this! It gets cold sometimes in Florida!

      Reply
    10. Tiffany

      December 05, 2020 at 8:29 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Tish

        January 30, 2022 at 5:28 pm

        5 stars
        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!

        Reply
    11. Gina

      December 05, 2020 at 8:31 am

      I have made these with some leftover jam I had. It was so easy, filling and delicious.

      Reply
    12. Cindy Vanderpol

      December 05, 2020 at 9:03 am

      Going to give these a go today!

      Reply
    13. becnerdy

      December 05, 2020 at 10:33 am

      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.

      Reply
    14. Tisha

      December 05, 2020 at 10:55 am

      Yum! Great way to use up the rest of my frozen fruit!

      Reply
    15. Cookinganne

      December 05, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      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.

      Reply
    16. Linda Sandusky (lgsandlot)

      December 05, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      I love this recipe! It’s simple and adaptable plus makes a bunch. Thanks

      Reply
    17. NMThonet

      December 05, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      This has become a family favorite especially with my peach jam!

      Reply
    18. mogrma

      December 06, 2020 at 4:11 am

      Made this recipe...I used fig ...yummy and super easy

      Reply
    19. Katie

      December 07, 2020 at 7:57 am

      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!

      Reply
    20. oleder

      December 09, 2020 at 6:13 am

      This is a great recipe! I definitely need to put in less jam next time... but there will be next time! Thanks!

      Reply
      • kateschat

        December 09, 2020 at 10:50 am

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    21. Ana Julia

      January 11, 2021 at 5:02 am

      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!

      Reply
      • kateschat

        January 11, 2021 at 12:04 pm

        sounds so yummy!

        Reply
    22. Terry

      January 31, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      Easy and tasty bars.

      Reply
    23. daphnerp

      February 01, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      So good! Made with Gf flour and smashed up fig preserves and they were pretty much inhaled by everyone.

      Reply
    24. Mandy Wittmer

      February 01, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      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!

      Reply
    25. Marisa B.

      February 06, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      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!

      Reply
    26. jessicaksmith

      February 26, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      love these bars and are so easy to through together, we've made peach and elderberry jam bars

      Reply
    27. Lillian

      August 26, 2021 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    28. Michelle

      November 22, 2021 at 8:28 am

      Has anyone experimented with reduced sugar? Any tips to share?

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        November 24, 2021 at 2:11 pm

        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.

        Reply
    29. Kim

      November 22, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        November 24, 2021 at 2:02 pm

        That's such a great idea!

        Reply
    30. Lindsay Gould

      April 21, 2022 at 12:13 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    31. Leah Glick

      April 22, 2022 at 6:52 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    32. Lindsay

      July 09, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    33. Michelle

      August 11, 2022 at 3:54 pm

      Cut back to 2 cups sugar and it was plenty sweet. Very good and easy to make.

      Reply
    34. Carrie

      January 04, 2023 at 5:07 pm

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply
    35. Sarah

      February 05, 2023 at 4:54 pm

      Has anyone tried this with soaked oats?

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        February 11, 2023 at 8:39 am

        Not that I know of.

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. How to Make and Freeze Cranberry Sauce ($1.41) - Good Cheap Eats says:
      November 13, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      […] is great in baked goods. It’s great on oatmeal, pancakes, and waffles and amazing baked into Kate’s Oatmeal Jam Bars or any baking recipe that calls for […]

      Reply
    2. Pantry Challenge - Day 1 - Good Cheap Eats says:
      January 2, 2022 at 9:33 pm

      […] – I didn’t do a ton of Christmas baking this year, but we had a batch of Kate’s Oatmeal Bars that I had made yesterday with cranberry sauce. Unfortunately, the recipe doesn’t really work […]

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    3. If You Can’t Buy It, Make It - Da Best Bet says:
      February 21, 2022 at 9:05 pm

      […] For Dinner: https://www.youtube.com/c/VenisonforDinner Oatmeal Jam Bars: https://venisonfordinner.com/2020/12/04/use-what-you-got-oatmeal-jam-bar-recipe/ No-churn ice cream recipe: […]

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    4. If You Can’t Buy It, Make It - So Fresh Flavor says:
      February 23, 2022 at 4:47 am

      […] For Dinner: https://www.youtube.com/c/VenisonforDinner Oatmeal Jam Bars: https://venisonfordinner.com/2020/12/04/use-what-you-got-oatmeal-jam-bar-recipe/ No-churn ice cream recipe: […]

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    5. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Bars & Pre-Spring Garden To Do Lists - From Wooden Spoons says:
      May 3, 2022 at 11:42 am

      […] long as you’ve made it yourself. Luckily, I had bookmarked a post by @venisonfordinner for her “Use-What-You-Got Oatmeal Bars”. Her recipe called for a sheet pan portion of shortbread jam bars, but for our little fam of […]

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    6. jammy oat bars – Jennifer Murch says:
      August 24, 2022 at 9:36 am

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    Hi, I'm Kate! Thank you for joining us on this crazy journey! Our family lives on a 34 acre homestead in northern BC, Canda and get a kick out of things like raising our own meat, dairy and vegetables.

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