Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Name: Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar; 0.25 teaspoon baking soda; 0.125 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup butter, softened; 0.75 cup seedless raspberry jam

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
cup packed light brown sugar
teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
cup butter, softened
cup seedless raspberry jam

Directions

Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
Grease an 8x8-inch square pan and line it with greased foil for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Use your hands or a pastry blender to rub in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press 2 cups of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it is evenly spread.
Spread the raspberry jam over the oat base, leaving about a -inch border from the edge of the pan.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the jam, pressing it down lightly to ensure it sticks.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned on top.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	292
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	27mg
Sodium	144mg
Total Carbohydrate	47g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	29g
Protein	3g
Calcium	20mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	67mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Recipe Origin: This classic dessert comes from the American tradition of combining oats and fruit preserves in a simple yet satisfying treat. The combination of oats, butter, and sweet jam has been a favorite in American households for generations. The easy-to-make, versatile dessert is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert for casual gatherings and family meals.

History of the Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are an American comfort food that is rooted in traditional oatmeal cookie recipes. Oatmeal cookies, which have been around since the early 1900s, were first made using oats, sugar, butter, and flour. Over time, these humble cookies evolved into the more elaborate oatmeal cookie bars, with the addition of fruit preserves or jams such as raspberry. These bars became especially popular in the mid-20th century as busy families sought easy-to-make, portable desserts. The use of jam, particularly raspberry, brings a tangy sweetness that complements the rich, buttery oatmeal base.

Regional Variations and Influence

Though raspberry oatmeal cookie bars are popular across the United States, they are most commonly associated with New England, where the tradition of baking with oats and berries is strong. In some regions, variations of these bars incorporate different kinds of jam, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry, reflecting local preferences and available ingredients. In the Pacific Northwest, where berries grow abundantly, these bars are often made with fresh, locally sourced fruits. Some variations also include nuts like pecans or walnuts, adding extra texture and flavor to the bars.

How Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars Differ from Similar Dishes

Raspberry oatmeal cookie bars are often compared to other fruit-filled desserts such as crumb bars or jam bars, but they stand out because of their rich oatmeal base. While typical crumb bars feature a more neutral shortbread-like crust, raspberry oatmeal cookie bars have a heartier, chewier texture due to the oats. This not only makes them more filling but also adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the raspberry jam. Another key difference is the use of softened butter, which helps bind the oats and sugar together, creating a crumbly yet firm texture once baked.

Where to Serve Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Raspberry oatmeal cookie bars are perfect for casual gatherings, coffee breaks, or picnics. They are easy to transport, making them an ideal choice for potlucks, bake sales, or family reunions. These bars can also be served at afternoon tea or as a quick snack with a cup of coffee or tea. In more formal settings, they are often presented as part of a dessert spread at a casual dinner or buffet. Due to their versatility, these bars can be dressed up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for added flair.

Fun Facts About Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars

The addition of raspberry jam not only adds flavor but also introduces a vibrant color, making these bars visually appealing.
Oats, a key ingredient in these bars, have been part of human diets for centuries, offering numerous health benefits like fiber and antioxidants.
The recipe is highly adaptablemany bakers experiment with different types of jams and even add extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts for a personalized touch.
Raspberry oatmeal cookie bars can be frozen, making them a great option for meal prepping or preparing ahead of time for a future event.
While traditionally baked in a square pan, these bars can be made in different sizes or shapes depending on the occasion, such as round for a more elegant presentation or mini-sized for individual servings.

FAQ about Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.

Yes, feel free to substitute raspberry jam with other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry. You can even experiment with homemade jam or fruit preserves for a unique flavor!

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to double-check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

To avoid crumbly bars, make sure to rub the softened butter thoroughly into the dry ingredients, using your hands or a pastry blender. This will help to bind the mixture together. Also, don't skip pressing the crumb mixture firmly into the pan before baking.

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Allow the bars to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave.

Yes, you can use a food processor to combine the dry ingredients and butter for a quicker method. Just pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure not to over-process it to maintain the desired texture.

If the bars turn out dry, it could be because the butter was not incorporated enough into the dry ingredients or the mixture was overbaked. Try using softened butter and ensuring you don’t overbake them. You can also add a small splash of milk to the dough next time to help with moisture.

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to suit your taste!

If you don’t have an 8x8-inch pan, you can use a different size pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will result in thinner bars, while a smaller pan will result in thicker bars. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness.

You can use salted butter, but if you do, omit the additional salt in the recipe. This will help prevent the bars from being too salty.

Comments

SUSIE

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I really like these. I did bump them up a bit this time though. I used seedless blackberry Polaner All Fruit and slightly less than called for (a double batch would call for 12oz and I used a 10oz jar). I made a double batch in a 9x13" pan and greased it really well and had no trouble getting it out. I also sprinkled the jam with a few handfuls of white and semi-sweet chocolate chips before adding the final topping layer and pressing it all in. The key to this not crumbling is to really work the SOFTENED butter into the dry ingredients with your hand. If you just stir it, it won't work enough of the fat through it and it will fall apart after it's baked. All in all, a nice, sweet, easy, cookie.

Trillian

10/01/2024 03:52:36 AM

Really easy and lends itself to modifications for personal preferences. I buttered the baking dish but didn't foil, and the bars came out just fine. I added about 1/4 c chopped pecans that I'd roasted in advance, added 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the oatmeal mix after incorporating butter, and reduced the sugar to about 1/3 cup. To the jam I added 1/2 tsp lemon juice and warmed the jam slightly in the microwave before spreading. I baked the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the jam. Thanks for a great recipe!

Monica

08/28/2023 03:19:03 AM

This recipe is great. I used 2 punnets (125g each) of fresh raspberries and mashed them in with remaining crumb mixture for the topping. Excellent. I cut them smallish and freeze them for a quick after dinner dessert or with a cup of tea for a morning snack.

Carson's Mommy

05/28/2018 12:47:11 AM

I enjoy this recipe very much! The bars are delicious; they taste and look like they are professionally made in a bakery! I made some changes because I wanted to use up some ingredients that I had at home. Because I wanted to use up my quinoa flakes that are expiring, I decided to used 1/2 cup quinoa flakes and 1/2 cup rolled oats instead of the full cup of oats that the recipe calls for. Instead of raspberry jam, I used my freshly made homemade strawberry mango jam. Like another reviewer, I also processed all of the crumb ingredients in my food processor (butter cut in small cubes) and lined my 8×8 baking sheet with parchment paper. That is it -- easy-peasy!

MaryTomswife

11/05/2024 08:26:18 PM

This recipe is super easy. It does, however, need more flavoring. The first time I made these they were so bland. The next time I added a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla. That made a huge difference. I also put most of the cookie mix on the bottom, used 10 oz. of jam, and put the rest of the cookie mix on top. Make sure not to over bake.

Audrey E Wrobel

06/25/2023 10:51:03 PM

Really needs an egg added; super crumbly. I added cinnamon to dry ingredients, and 1/4 tsp almond oil and tsp vanilla to jam. Next time, definitely adding egg. Pre-baked bottom as others suggested; next time 20 minutes for bottom. It’s tasty as something to crumble with vanilla bean ice cream, it’s just messy tasty.

Isab Comment

10/24/2018 12:56:33 AM

I have made it several times and only changed two things. The first is to double the recipe, and use a larger pan, of course. The second was that it seemed to me that the rasperry jam itself, especially the seedless stuff, was a bit bland, and lacking in flavor. I solved this by sprinkling about a cup and a half of chopped up frozen raspberries onto the top of the jam, before adding the final layer of topping and baking it. Adds a bit of raspberry punchiness to the recipe.

Allrecipes Member

04/01/2020 02:56:06 AM

Delicious is right! we really enjoyed these. I used Bob's Red Mill quick cooking steel cuts oats since that is what I had. otherwise, made it as written. I made my own jam using 2 cups of frozen raspberries and 1 cup sugar. boil and stir constantly for 8 minutes. Added some lemon juice (@2 tsp?). Not sure what else to say. These were easy and yummy! will make again!

GiftedDill7466

04/01/2020 02:56:06 AM

T Gorm

05/31/2021 08:39:39 PM

I turned them into raspberry almond bars simply by adding 1/2 tsp almond extract to the preserves, sprinkled the top with sliced almonds. When they were done, I made a glaze with 1/2 c powdered sugar and 1/2 t almond extract and drizzled it on top. Great base recipe and very versatile!

MOMX6BOYS

01/21/2019 03:14:25 AM

Very nice recipe! I doubled it and used a 7 x 11 pan. I wanted them to be a little thicker. I used blackberry preserves because that's what I had on hand. Also added some dark chocolate chips to the top. It's a keeper!

Angel 12000

09/21/2025 02:06:01 PM

This is a yummy one. I made a bit of extra filling by adding frozen cranberries and frozen blueberries to the jam. Got great texture for the filling. Then I also took out 1 tablespoon of butter and added 2 tablespoons of no sugar, crunchy peanut butter. The kids love the PB&J oatmeal bars. This is a go-to.

sharon

05/26/2025 06:20:30 PM

Easy and delicious!

Maureen Flaherty

05/26/2025 05:29:55 AM

Made as directed. It was not too sweet but it was just ok.

vog2009

05/03/2025 05:43:18 PM

Made this with a couple super minor changes based on previous reviews and personal preference. Added 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of vanilla to the oat mixture. Used cold cubed butter and processed the oat mixture quickly to combine in a food processor. Add a few minutes to the baking time. Wonderful! Definitely a keeper! Tried is also with mixed berry preserves. Versatile recipe! Thank you! PS - Rated 5 stars as I felt the changes made were simply personal preference.

Tom Zimmer

04/11/2025 11:26:21 AM

It was a crumbly mess.

fromscratch

03/02/2025 12:13:09 AM

This is the perfect, classic, crowd pleaser. I use quick oats so the result is a little less crumbly. I also occasionally make this with pumpkin butter instead of jam and my family loves them! Make a double batch, you can thank me later.

BriefCurd5937

02/25/2025 10:04:05 PM

This was so easy! I used blueberry jam instead of raspberry. I'm thinking you could use a out any kind of jam though. Very tasty.

AceOven5669

02/08/2025 12:58:53 AM

I made these this afternoon for the first time. I haven't baked anything for years. The recipe was simple and easy to follow. I did make a simple change . I added one teaspoon of vanilla extract to softened butter and mixed thoroughly before adding to the dry mixture. They are delicious!

Kimberly Green

01/31/2025 02:35:53 AM

Absolutely loved it 😍

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