Jam and a sweet oatmeal cookie bar combine to create the most delicious breakfast bar recipe. Learn how to make this easy Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars recipe here.
It was the day after I’d made a few jars of Fig and Tomato Quick Jam that I quickly realized I’d now need a way to use these up before it spoiled. I had made this jam to use up a box of fresh figs and tomatoes and was very pleased with the end result.
You can read more about that delicious quick jam recipe HERE.
However, it was a quick jam recipe, not a true canning jam. My only way to store them was in the refrigerator. I stored two jars in the freezer and left one in the fridge. The latter needed to be used in about a week’s time, before spoiling.
That’s when I realized I’d now need to create a second recipe to use this up… Don’t you just love how that always manages to happen?
To be honest, I don’t eat jam often. If I have toast it’s almost always with avocado on top. If I’m out of that I add some Irish butter.
So how the heck would I use this entire jar of jam in a week?
It quickly became apparent that I needed to create this Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars recipe. It turned out exactly how I had imagined, too.
Chewy, sweet oatmeal cookie layers with a tender fruit jam filling.
Amazing–to say the least.
My husband and I devoured these over the course of about 3 days because they were so good for breakfasts and snacks. No regrets!
Now that I’ve created this super easy breakfast bars recipe, I’ve decided it wouldn’t be right to not share with you also. Just a few easy steps to a homemade breakfast that is perfect for those grab-and-go days during the week. Add a little protein on the side and you’ve got a decent energy boost for a few hours.
Let’s get into making these luscious breakfast bars…
Tools You Need
Measuring cups and spoons
Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula or spoon
8×8 square baking dish
Parchment paper
Ingredients | Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars Recipe
For exact measurements, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Jam – Jam adds a layer of fruity sweetness and a slightly gooey texture to these chewy oatmeal breakfast bars. I used my Fig and Tomato Quick Jam in these bars, but you can use a store-bought jar of jam or your favorite homemade jam recipe. Azure Farm has a strawberry jam recipe that I’ve been dying to try myself, using a little less sugar in it.
Oats – Oats add texture and interest to these cookie bars, making them a perfect sweet breakfast treat.
Brown sugar – Brown sugar is used in the oat mixture to add sweetness.
Flour – Use an all-purpose flour in this recipe. It helps lighten the texture of these bars.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract brings out all the flavors by enhancing them. I use a home-brewed vanilla extract, but you can purchase one from a store, too.
Butter – Melt butter first before adding to this recipe. It adds a rich flavor that is perfect in these.
Sea salt – Sea salt or standard table salt can be used. It enhances all the flavors.
Baking powder – Baking powder is used as a leavener and helps the breakfast bar rise slightly when baking.
Baking soda – This is used to help keep the bars tender.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds more depth and a hint of spice.
How to Make Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars
Begin by lining an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Then preheat the oven to 350ºF.
In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients together.
Then, mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mixture will be slightly wet and crumbly.
Reserve about 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping. Set aside for later.
Pack the remaining oatmeal mixture down onto the parchment paper in the baking dish using your hands. Bake this at 350º for about 20 minutes. The bars will puff up slightly and be a slight golden brown when they’re ready.
Next, pour the jam onto the cookie bars. Spread this evenly over the entire surface of the breakfast bars. Then crumble the rest of oatmeal topping onto the jam.
Bake again for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the breakfast bars cool completely before slicing them into squares and serving. You may need to place them in the refrigerator to firm up enough for slicing.
Tips for Making Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars Recipe
Be sure to use parchment paper before adding the oat mixture to the baking dish. This makes it much easier to remove the bars once they’ve cooled. Once they are cool, grab all the corners of the parchment paper and carefully lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place on a countertop and slice them with a large knife.
Use any flavor of jam you prefer. There really is no way of messing this up. Any sweet fruit jam will taste wonderful sandwiched between these sweet oatmeal cookie layers.
More Baking Inspiration
Snickers Pie | An All-Time Family Favorite
Bursting with Peaches Peach Crumble
Healthy Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars Recipe
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowl
- rubber spatula
- 8×8 square baking dish
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 11 tbsp melted butter 2/3 cup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 10 ounces jam
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by lining an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Then preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients together.
- Then, mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mixture will be slightly wet and crumbly. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping. Set aside for later.
- Pack the remaining oatmeal mixture down onto the parchment paper in the baking dish using your hands. Bake this at 350º for about 20 minutes. The bars will puff up slightly and be a slight golden brown when they’re ready.
- Next, pour the jam onto the cookie bars. Spread this evenly over the entire surface of the breakfast bars. Then crumble the rest of oatmeal topping onto the jam.
- Bake again for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the breakfast bars cool completely before slicing them into squares and serving. You may need to place them in the refrigerator to firm up enough for slicing.
